The $30 billion nuclear build-up

China has been expanding and improving its nuclear weapons capabilities at an unprecedented rate, with the latest development being a network of launch pads near its nuclear missile silos. according to satellite images, more than 80 launch pads and three octagon-shaped installations have been built in the remote northwest, near the Hami nuclear silo field.

Security analysts believe that the scale of the construction points to a huge expansion of infrastructure designed to protect and operate China's land-based nuclear forces.

Beijing's nuclear doctrine: 'no first use' but possible coercion

China's nuclear doctrine is built around the 'no first use' policy, meaning its forces wouldn't initiate a nuclear exchange. However, some senior Western diplomats and analysts say China would possibly resort to nuclear coercion to limit outside involvement in a conflict over Taiwan.

President Xi Jinping has warned US President Donald Trump that mishandling of their countries' disagrreements over Taiwan could lead them to a 'danegrous place.'

The US-China nuclear competition

The new desert infrastructure is centered on octagon-shaped installations built over the past six years in eastern Xinjiang. the structures contain housing for personnel and large military vehicles.

US officials and arms-control analysts say China is expanding and improving its nuclear weapons capabilities faster than any other nation.

Open questions

What are the exact intentions behind China's nuclear build-up , and how will it impact the US-China nuclear competition?

Will China's 'no first use' policy hold, or will it resort to nuclear coercion in a conflict over Taiwan?

What are the implications of China's expanding nuclear capabilities for global security?

Broader context

China's nuclear build-up is part of a larger trend of military modernisation under President Xi Jinping. The country's doctrine is built around the concept of 'active defense,' which emphasizes the use of military force to deter and respond to threats.

The expansion of China's nuclear capabilities has raised concerns about the country's intentions and its impact on regional and global security.

According to security analysts, the scale of the construction points to a huge expansion of infrastructure designed to protect and operate China's land-based nuclear forces .