China’s Massive Military Complex: A Fortress for War Preparedness
Satellite images obtained by the Financial Times reveal that China is constructing a colossal security complex southwest of Beijing, spanning over 600 hectares—equivalent to ten times the size of the Pentagon. This sprawling facility, located 30 kilometers from the Chinese capital, is being developed as a military command center designed to operate in the event of war, including potential nuclear conflict.
The images, analyzed by American intelligence, show deep excavation sites intended for reinforced bunkers to protect military leaders. The complex also features a network of underground tunnels and reinforced concrete walls, signaling its role as a secure operations hub. According to military experts, the facility is poised to become the world’s largest military command center, with construction reportedly beginning in mid-2024.
A “Military City of Beijing”
Dubbed the “Military city of Beijing” by intelligence analysts, the project aligns with China’s broader military modernization efforts. The People’s Liberation army (PLA) is accelerating its development of advanced weapons and capabilities ahead of its centenary in 2027.president Xi Jinping has reportedly directed the military to enhance its capacity to attack Taiwan by that time.
“If confirmed, this new advanced underground command bunker for military leadership, including President xi as president of the Central Military Commission, says Beijing’s intention to build not only a conventional world-class force but also an advanced nuclear combat capacity,” said Dennis Wilder, a former CIA analyst on china.
Construction Amid Economic Challenges
The project stands in stark contrast to China’s ongoing real estate sector crisis, which has stalled many large-scale developments. Satellite imagery shows at least 100 cranes operating across a five-square-kilometer area, focusing on underground infrastructure. Renny Babiarz, a former analyst at the national Geospatial Intelligence Agency, noted, “image analysis suggests the construction of several possible underground facilities connected through underground passages.”
Despite the lack of visible military presence, the site is heavily guarded, with signs prohibiting photography and drone usage. A local merchant described the area as a “military zone,” and access to nearby tourist spots has been restricted.
Strategic Significance
The new complex is expected to replace the Western Hills Command center, a Cold war-era facility northeast of the current site. Its partially buried design and massive scale suggest it will offer enhanced security against anti-bunker ammunition and nuclear threats.
“Chinese leaders may consider that the new installation will allow greater security against American anti-bunker ammunition, and even against nuclear weapons,” said a former U.S. intelligence official. “It could also incorporate more advanced and secure communications and have space to expand the PLA’s capabilities and missions.”
A Fortress for Xi’s Ambitions
A Chinese researcher familiar with the project described it as having “all the characteristics of a sensitive military installation,” including reinforced concrete and deep tunnels. “Almost ten times larger than the Pentagon, it is ideal for xi Jinping’s ambitions to surpass the United States,” the researcher said. “this fortress has one purpose: to act as a doomsday bunker for the increasingly sophisticated and capable Chinese military.”
China’s Official Stance
The Chinese embassy in Washington stated it was “not aware of the details” but emphasized China’s commitment to “peaceful development and a defensive defense policy.”
Key Features of the Beijing Military Complex
| Feature | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| size | Over 600 hectares (10x the Pentagon) |
| Location | 30 km southwest of Beijing |
| Purpose | Military command center for war scenarios, including nuclear conflict |
| Construction | Began mid-2024; includes deep bunkers and underground tunnels |
| Security Measures | Reinforced concrete, restricted access, no photography or drones allowed |
| Strategic Goal | Enhance PLA’s capabilities and secure leadership in wartime |
As China continues to bolster its military infrastructure, this massive complex underscores its preparedness for potential conflicts and its ambition to rival global powers. The project’s scale and secrecy highlight Beijing’s focus on securing its leadership and advancing its strategic capabilities in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape.
For more insights into China’s military developments, explore our coverage of Xi Jinping’s directives and the PLA’s modernization efforts.
