The researchers at the James Martin Non-Diffusion Research Center at the Middlebury International Institute stated that the satellite undertook construction work at sites near the Yumen, including underground bunker, cable trenches, roads, and small military bases. The silo appears to reflect the existing launch facility in China’s nuclear ballistic missile arsenal. The silos appear to mirror the existing launch facilities for China’s arsenal of nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles.
China was previously thought to have a relatively modest total stockpile of 250-350 nuclear weapons, far less than the United States and Russia. Analysts warned that expansion meant “progress of vigilance” but noted tensions among major nuclear-weapon states over disarmament and cautioned against “worst-case thinking.”
Earlier this year, the head of the US nuclear army warned of a “breathtaking expansion” of China’s nuclear capabilities. They said it was a major concern as relations between Washington and Beijing deteriorated.
