China’s Beijing Military City: A Giant Step in Global Military Power

China is building a giant military command center called Beijing Military City, which may become the largest one in the world. This site covers 1,500 acres (about 2.3 square miles), making it nearly 10 times bigger than the Pentagon, which is currently the largest office building at 148 acres. The location is just 20 miles southwest of Beijing, and many people are worried about what this means for China’s military plans.

Construction of this massive facility was first spotted in satellite images shared by Maxar Technologies in early 2022. The area used to have residential buildings and open land near the Chongqing Reservoir, but those were removed over time. By February 2023, workers had begun leveling the area for construction, and by June 2024, the site had dramatically changed, with roads, tunnels, and over 100 construction cranes visible.

So far, the Chinese government has not publicly discussed this site, and even their embassy said they had “no information” about it. Access is tightly restricted, with drones banned, photos prohibited, and popular hiking trails around the area closed.

Experts believe that Beijing Military City might act as a nuclear command bunker. Its structures—like reinforced concrete tunnels and underground facilities—are designed to survive major attacks, including nuclear strikes. A former U.S. intelligence official mentioned that this new site could replace the old Western Hills command center from the Cold War, which was also used during wartime.

The U.S. is concerned about China’s military growth, especially as tensions rise in the Indo-Pacific region. A key issue is Taiwan, which China sees as its own territory. Recent military drills by China near Taiwan have some U.S. officials worried that they might be preparing for an invasion. In response, the U.S. has increased military exercises with allies like South Korea, Japan, and Australia.

Furthermore, China is increasing its nuclear capabilities fast. A 2024 Pentagon report notes that the Chinese military already has over 600 nuclear warheads, and that number could reach 1,500 by 2035, aiming to match the U.S. stockpile. The construction of Beijing Military City emphasizes China’s readiness not only for traditional battles but also for large, strategic conflicts.

As China rapidly modernizes its military, President Xi Jinping’s goal is to fully upgrade the People’s Liberation Army by 2027. This includes better naval fleets, advanced missile systems, and modern command centers like Beijing Military City. This shift in military strategy shows that China is preparing for serious confrontations with world powers, especially the U.S. While many details are still unclear, one thing is evident: Beijing Military City is not just any military base—it’s a strong sign that China is looking to the future with big plans.