China is building a military complex in Beijing, ten times larger than the Pentagon, complete with bomb-proof bunkers for its leaders, according to US officials.
China is building a huge military complex in western Beijing, designed to serve as a wartime command center. The site, covering some 6 square kilometers, would be at least ten times larger than the U.S. Pentagon. Satellite images reveal deep excavations, suggesting the construction of reinforced bunkers to protect China’s military leadership in the event of conflict, including nuclear conflict. The project is part of the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) preparations for its centenary in 2027, with the aim of developing the capability to attack Taiwan by then. The US intelligence community is keeping a close eye on this development, which reflects Beijing’s ambition to strengthen its military posture in the face of rising geopolitical tensions.
A military complex on an unprecedented scale
China is building a massive military complex on the western outskirts of Beijing, some 30 kilometers from the city center. The site, covering an area of around 1,500 acres (about 6 square kilometers), is destined to become the world’s largest military command center, far surpassing the U.S. Pentagon, which covers some 600,000 square meters. Recently obtained satellite images show intense activity on site, with at least 100 cranes operating simultaneously to develop complex underground infrastructure. The deep excavations observed suggest the construction of reinforced bunkers, designed to shelter China’s top military leaders in the event of a major conflict, including a possible nuclear war. This ambitious project testifies to China’s determination to strengthen its military command and control capacity in the face of contemporary strategic challenges.
Strategic objectives of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) up to 2027
The construction of this complex is part of a broader strategy of military modernization being pursued by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) as it approaches its centenary in 2027. Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, the PLA has been instructed to develop advanced offensive capabilities, including the possibility of military action against Taiwan by that date. This ambition is accompanied by a rapid expansion of China’s nuclear arsenal and sustained efforts to improve the integration of the various military branches, an area where the PLA is often regarded as underperforming compared to its Western counterparts. Massive investment in infrastructure such as the new command center reflects Beijing’s determination to have a military force capable of projecting its power and defending its strategic interests in an increasingly competitive international context.
Geopolitical consequences and international reactions
The emergence of this colossal military command center in Beijing is causing significant concern in the international community, particularly in the United States and among China’s regional allies. The size and characteristics of this facility suggest China’s increased preparedness for high-intensity conflict scenarios, including potential nuclear confrontations. This development could intensify the Asia-Pacific arms race, prompting neighboring nations to bolster their own military capabilities in response to China’s rise. What’s more, the prospect of military action against Taiwan by 2027 fuels already existing tensions in the region, increasing the risk of destabilization and armed conflict. The United States, in particular, is closely monitoring these developments, which could influence its own defense strategies and commitments to its Asian partners.
Implications for Chinese national security and military doctrine
The construction of this command center is part of a broader reassessment of China’s military doctrine, emphasizing resilience and the ability to survive large-scale attacks. By equipping its military leadership with deeply buried and reinforced bunkers, China seeks to ensure continuity of command in all circumstances, including in the event of a nuclear attack. This approach reflects a heightened awareness of potential vulnerabilities and a willingness to mitigate them through advanced technological and infrastructural means. At the same time, the PLA is continuing its efforts to further integrate its cyber, space and conventional capabilities, recognizing that modern warfare requires close coordination between various operational domains. This doctrinal transformation aims to position China as a leading military power, capable of defending its national interests and deterring all attempts at external aggression.
Future prospects and potential challenges
As China moves ahead rapidly with the construction of this command center and the modernization of its military apparatus, several challenges loom on the horizon. The scale of investment required to complete these projects could put pressure on the national economy, especially against the backdrop of a global economic slowdown.
In addition, escalating tensions with the USA and other regional powers could lead to further instability, both diplomatically and militarily. China will also need to ensure that its actions do not provoke an international coalition to counter its growing influence, which could complicate its strategic ambitions.
Finally, the Taiwan question remains a focal point of friction, and any military initiative in this context could have major global repercussions. It is therefore crucial for Beijing to calibrate its actions carefully in order to achieve its objectives without triggering open conflicts with unpredictable consequences.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.