China is rapidly expanding a large military infrastructure network around its nuclear missile silos in the remote desert regions of Xinjiang and Gansu, according to satellite images reviewed by Reuters. The newly built facilities include launch pads, bunkers, communication systems and military support structures. Security experts believe the project is aimed at protecting China’s nuclear arsenal and ensuring the country can launch a retaliatory strike even if its nuclear sites come under attack.

The satellite images reveal more than 80 concrete pads spread across the desert landscape. Analysts believe these pads could be used for mobile missile launchers, air-defence systems and electronic warfare operations. The area also includes fortified bunkers, command centres, communication towers, airfields and rail connections linked to China’s silo fields that house its longest-range nuclear missiles.

The construction is centred around two large octagon-shaped military installations in eastern Xinjiang. Both facilities are located southwest of the Hami nuclear silo fields. One lies around 140 kilometres away while the other is about 230 kilometres from the silos. Satellite images show that the octagonal compounds contain housing for military personnel and space for large military vehicles. Nearby areas include weapons storage zones protected by armoured bunkers.

Recent images also show military exercises involving large vehicles around the northern octagon during April and May. Analysts studying the photographs identified large tents and camouflaged launch sites carved into the desert terrain. Some of these locations appear to include air-defence missile batteries.

Although the octagon-shaped facilities were known earlier, Reuters reported for the first time on the scale of the surrounding launch-pad network and the military activity taking place there. Analysts also believe the infrastructure may support electronic warfare and advanced communication systems connected to China’s nuclear operations.

Security scholars interviewed by Reuters agreed that the facilities appear closely linked to China’s growing nuclear program. However, they also warned that several details remain unclear. It is still unknown what exact weapons may be deployed at the launch pads or whether the facilities are used to store and fit nuclear warheads onto missiles.

“We can see this infrastructure is being built on a grand scale, covering thousands of square kilometres of desert beyond the silo fields,” said Alexander Neill, an adjunct fellow at Hawaii’s Pacific Forum think tank. Depending on the precise capabilities, he said, “we’re looking at a very considerable enhancement and diversification of China‘s strategic nuclear deterrent.”

China has repeatedly stated that its nuclear policy is based on maintaining a minimal but credible deterrent. The country follows a “no first use” doctrine, which means it claims it would not launch nuclear weapons first during a conflict. Beijing says its nuclear forces are designed mainly to guarantee retaliation if China is attacked first.

The silo fields in Xinjiang and Gansu form the core of China’s land-based nuclear force. While China also has nuclear weapons launched from submarines and aircraft, these desert missile silos are considered central to its strategic defence system.

China’s growing nuclear capabilities have drawn international attention in recent years. Foreign diplomats and security experts have often criticised Beijing for not being transparent about its nuclear expansion. Attempts by the United States to hold discussions with China about its nuclear strategy and future plans have largely failed.

The issue has become even more sensitive due to rising tensions over Taiwan. China claims Taiwan as its territory, while Taiwan rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims. Earlier this month, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned U.S. President Donald Trump that mishandling disagreements over Taiwan could push the two countries toward a “dangerous place.”

China’s defence ministry did not respond to Reuters’ questions regarding the military developments seen in the satellite imagery. The Pentagon also declined to comment on intelligence-related matters.

Experts say the new desert infrastructure may significantly improve China’s second-strike capability. This refers to a country’s ability to respond with nuclear weapons after surviving a first attack. Analysts believe the large number of launch pads and communication systems may help China avoid losing its nuclear forces in a surprise strike.

The satellite images also show a network of dirt roads and underground conduits stretching across the desert from the octagon facilities. These roads connect to the launch pads, many of which are hidden among rocky hills and dry riverbeds. Experts believe the conduits may contain fibre-optic cables used for secure military communications.

Hans Kristensen, director of the Federation of American Scientists’ Nuclear Information Project, said while it was difficult to conclude how the various installations would be used, “it is hard to rule anything out” given the scale of the infrastructure in such a hostile environment.

Analysts also identified what may be a space or microwave communication facility under construction near the northern octagon. Satellite dishes and two large towers are visible in the area. Experts believe the site may support command, control and communication systems linked to China’s nuclear missile network.

“Taken together, I think there is a real possibility that the octagonal structures and the strange towers are linked to C3 — command, control, and communications — as well as maintenance and storage activities related to China‘s nuclear operations at the Hami ICBM silo site,” said Tong Zhao, a senior fellow in nuclear policy at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

A third octagon-shaped site located south of the Lop Nur nuclear test area appears less developed. Analysts believe it may be used as a target range because satellite images show damaged buildings, cratered ground and mock-ups of Western fighter jets.

China’s military showcased several nuclear-capable missiles during a parade in Beijing last September, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The weapons included both silo-based and road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles.

According to U.S. officials and arms-control experts, China is modernising its nuclear forces faster than any other country. A recent Pentagon report stated that China could possess 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030. The report also estimated that around 100 ICBMs are likely already loaded across China’s three major silo fields.

China has additionally strengthened its early-warning systems through its Huoyan-1 satellites. U.S. officials say the system can detect incoming intercontinental ballistic missiles within 90 seconds of launch and send warnings to command centres within a few minutes. This could give China enough time to launch its own missiles before they are destroyed.

Analysts say the scale of the project is unusual even when compared with the United States and Russia, the world’s two largest nuclear powers. Unlike China’s expanding defensive network, the U.S. and Russia mainly depend on the large number and hardened construction of their silos to survive a nuclear strike.

The scale of China’s construction effort has surprised even experienced experts.

“I’ve never seen anything quite like it,” Kristensen said. “It’s an extraordinary effort.”