China Expands Nuclear Missile Infrastructure With New Launch Pads Near ICBM Silos

Reuters satellite imagery assessed by three security analysts shows more than 80 launch pads, armored bunkers, and communications nodes spanning thousands of square kilometers near the Hami ICBM silo fields in eastern Xinjiang 123. The infrastructure centers on two octagon-shaped installations positioned 140 and 230 kilometers southwest of Hami, connected to the silos by airfields and railheads constructed over the past six years 123. Imagery from May shows large-vehicle exercises around the northern octagon; three analysts told Reuters the pads could support mobile ICBM launchers, electronic warfare operations, or air-defense batteries, though five scholars interviewed by Reuters cautioned that specific weapons deployments remain unknown 123. China's defense ministry did not respond to questions about the satellite imagery, and the Pentagon declined to comment on intelligence matters 123.