China is building launch pads near its nuclear missile silos

China is constructing a network of launch pads, bunkers, and communications facilities near its nuclear missile silos in remote desert regions. Satellite images reveal over 80 pads for mobile missile launchers and air-defense systems, signaling a major expansion of hardened infrastructure to protect its land-based nuclear forces and ensure second-strike capability. Analysts link the development to intensified nuclear competition with the United States and rising tensions over Taiwan's sovereignty.