China is building the world’s largest military command center that is at least 10 times bigger than the U.S. Pentagon. The Financial Times released a report about the base, citing information from U.S. officials, on Thursday, Jan. 30.
How did U.S. officials find out about the base?
Satellite images obtained by the news outlet show about a 1,500-acre site just southwest of Beijing. Intelligence officers believe this complex could be a so-called “doomsday” bunker for the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) to congregate in case of a nuclear war.
When finished, the command center, dubbed “Beijing Military City” makes the current world’s largest military command center, the Pentagon, look relatively small in comparison.
Intelligence experts also noted the images of the construction site, taken in mid-2024, are fitting for Beijing as the PLA prepares for its 100th anniversary in 2027.
What does it have to do with Taiwan?
It also comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly vowed to reunify with Taiwan in 2027, using force if necessary. The self-governing island has defense agreements in place with the United States, and the U.S. is dependent on Taiwan for most of the microchips which make electronics work.
What do we know about the facility so far?
A former CIA analyst told the Financial Times they suspect China’s new facility is meant to enhance Beijing’s “nuclear war-fighting capability.”
Around 100 cranes were observed operating at the three-mile site, constructing underground facilities connected by tunnels.
The Financial Times reported that there is no military presence currently at the site, but it has “all the hallmarks of a sensitive military site.” Popular hiking trails near the installation are closed and access to the grounds is strictly prohibited.
There are also signs warning against flying drones or taking pictures and the back of the project is blocked off by a checkpoint.
What did we know about China’s military expansion plans?
As Straight Arrow News previously reported, Beijing is beefing up its nuclear arsenal and the Pentagon estimates China will have 1,500 nuclear weapons by 2035.
Beijing also appears to be building a massive nuclear fusion center in the southwest city of Mianyang, which could allow for new nuclear weapons designs and the housing of nuclear weapons.
