Signalling a major expansion of its nuclear capabilities, China has begun construction of over 100 new silos for intercontinental ballistic missiles in a desert near Yumen, The Washington Post has reported citing satellite imagery.
The silo construction project could provide China a means of concealing its nuclear weapons, the report stated, adding that the 119 nearly identical construction sites could potentially house powerful weapons capable of reaching the American mainland.
The acquisition of over 100 new missile silos, if completed, would represent a historic shift for China, that is believed to possess a stockpile of 250 to 350 nuclear weapons, the report said.
The discovery of over 100 silos follows recent warnings by Pentagon officials about China’s rapid advances in nuclear capability.