China’s military is in the process of constructing an extensive facility in western Beijing, which U.S. intelligence assesses will function as a wartime command center significantly larger than the Pentagon, as indicated by current and former American officials.
Recent satellite images reveal a construction site spanning approximately 1,500 acres located about 30 kilometers southwest of Beijing. Analysts expect that this site will contain large, fortified bunkers designed to protect Chinese military officials, including during potential conflict scenarios such as nuclear war.
According to several U.S. officials, this development is being closely monitored, and it would represent the largest military command center globally—estimated to be at least ten times the size of the Pentagon. Major construction activities are believed to have commenced in mid-2024, with some intelligence analysts informally referring to this endeavor as “Beijing Military City.”
The construction is taking place as the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is advancing new weaponry and plans in preparation for the military’s centenary in 2027. U.S. intelligence has indicated that President Xi Jinping has mandated the PLA to develop capabilities for a potential attack on Taiwan by that year.
Additionally, the PLA is rapidly increasing its nuclear arsenal and seeking to improve coordination among its various branches. Military experts highlight the PLA’s integration issues as a significant disadvantage when compared to U.S. forces.
Imagery analysis has indicated that substantial construction efforts, which involve over 100 cranes, are focused on creating underground infrastructure across a five-square-kilometer area. Reports suggest the possibility of multiple underground facilities interconnected by passageways, although further data is necessary for a comprehensive evaluation of the project.
Construction activities at this site have been notably vigorous recently, contrasting with stagnation in numerous large real estate projects across China due to a crisis in the property sector. Currently, there are no public promotions or web listings associated with the site, which is unusual for a project of this scale.
While there was no visible military presence during observations, security measures included restrictions on drone flights and photography, and guards indicated that access was prohibited. Local areas popular with hikers and tourists near the site have also been cut off to the public.
An former senior U.S. intelligence official pointed out that the existing PLA headquarters in central Beijing is relatively new but not optimized as a combat command facility. The new construction seems set to replace the older command center in the Western Hills, which was built during the Cold War, suggesting improvements in security against U.S. munitions and nuclear threats.
A researcher familiar with the construction opined that the facility exhibits all the characteristics of a sensitive military site, being fortified and extensively underground. The establishment aligns with aspirations for Chinese military superiority over the U.S.
In conjunction with the broader redevelopment of Beijing’s western periphery, there has been speculation regarding the demolition of homes in the surrounding Qinglonghu area, leading to questions about the purpose of the construction. Observations from various sources have indicated that this site likely serves as a significant administrative or military training location, given its expansive land area.
photo credit: www.ft.com
