Ten times size of Pentagon: China may build new military command center in Beijing - FT
Illustrative photo: China may be building a new military command center in Beijing (chinamil.com.cn)
China is likely constructing a vast military command center in the western part of Beijing, which will be much larger than the Pentagon, Financial Times (FT) reports.
Satellite images, analyzed by US intelligence, show construction taking place 30 kilometers southwest of Beijing, covering an area of about 1,500 acres. Analysts believe the facility could also house large underground bunkers designed to protect the leadership of the People’s Liberation Army of China (PLA) in the event of conflict, including the potential use of nuclear weapons.
Several current and former US government officials have stated that intelligence is closely monitoring the site, which is expected to become the largest military command center in the world, surpassing the Pentagon in size by at least ten times.
According to satellite image analysis, construction work began in mid-2024.
The development of this facility coincides with the PLA’s efforts to create new weapons and military projects ahead of its 100th anniversary, which will be celebrated in 2027. US intelligence estimates that Chinese President Xi Jinping has tasked the military with developing a military potential sufficient for a possible attack on Taiwan by that time.
In addition, the PLA is actively increasing its stockpile of nuclear warheads and focusing on improving coordination between its various military units.
"If confirmed, this new advanced underground command bunker for military leadership, including President Xi as Head of the Central Military Commission, signals Beijing's intentions to not only create world-class conventional armed forces but also develop advanced nuclear warfare capabilities," said Dennis Wilder, Former head of the CIA's China analysis division.
A former US intelligence official told FT that the PLA's main headquarters in central Beijing is not sufficiently fortified to serve as a command center in wartime conditions.
Risk of Chinese invasion of Taiwan
Beijing considers Taiwan its province and advocates for its "peaceful reunification," not ruling out the use of force. Meanwhile, Taiwan operates as a de facto independent state with its own government, military, and economy, though only a few countries officially recognize it.
To find out more about China's claims to Taiwan, read our article on the topic.
