China: New sites for nuclear ICBMs discovered by US satellites

The New York Times has published satellite images, taken in the Xinjiang region, which show the construction of at least 110 silos intended to house intercontinental missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. It is the second site identified in recent weeks. The first journalistic scoop on the subject had been made by the Washington Post.

The images were taken by the satellites of Planet Labs on behalf of Federation of American Scientists. The reconnaissance uncovered installations in the Xinjiang region, near the town of Hami. Structures that are added to those already identified a few days ago in the Yumen area by another study center.  

American analysts think that Beijing is strengthening itself to better face the muscle duel with Washington. The Chinese are worried not only by the Americans but also by the resourcefulness of Russia and India. The intelligence officers have also specified that the excavation of a large number of silos is a tactic now known in military circles, in fact they are rarely all filled. It is a clever way to confuse the enemy and at the same time better protect the weapon systems.

China: New sites for nuclear ICBMs discovered by US satellites