China is building more than 100 missile silos in the desert, according to an analysis of satellite photos, which researchers say signals a possible expansion of the country’s nuclear capabilities.
Analysts warned the expansion signified an “alarming development” but also urged caution against “worst-case thinking”, noting tension between major nuclear powers over disarmament.
The research, first reported by
the Washington Post on Thursday, identified the construction of at least 119 silos, likely to hold intercontinental ballistic missiles, have been identified in the desert of Gansu province.
The researchers, from the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, made the discovery through an analysis of satellite photos provided by commercial company, Planet.
Spread across more than 700 sq miles, the site near Yumen includes the construction of underground bunkers, which may function as launch centres, cable trenches, roads and a small military base, one of the researchers, the US nuclear expert Jeffrey Lewis, said.
Features of the layout mirrored existing nuclear ballistic missile launch sites in Inner Mongolia, suggesting China has built or is building at least 145 in total.
“We believe China is expanding its nuclear forces in part to maintain a deterrent that can survive a US first strike in sufficient numbers to defeat US missile defences,” Lewis told the Washington Post.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/01/china-building-missile-silos-nuclear
I like your thinking.