China is constructing what could become the world’s largest military command center, a facility significantly larger than the U.S. Pentagon, according to reports from The Financial Times and other sources. The complex, located about 20 miles southwest of Beijing, is believed to be a key component of China’s broader military modernization efforts.
Satellite imagery analyzed by U.S. intelligence officials suggests that the facility, informally referred to as “Beijing Military City,” spans approximately 1,500 acres. Images from Planet Labs show large-scale excavation and construction, with over 100 cranes operating at the site. Analysts believe the facility will include underground bunkers capable of withstanding high-impact munitions, including U.S. “bunker buster” bombs. A former U.S. intelligence officer told The Financial Times that the site’s reinforced design suggests Chinese leadership sees it as a secure command hub in the event of conflict.
Military experts speculate that the new facility could eventually replace the Western Hills command center, a Cold War-era bunker used by China’s military leadership. The expansion aligns with broader goals set by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has called for a fully modernized military by 2027—the centenary of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). That timeline has fueled concerns among Western analysts about potential Chinese military actions, particularly regarding Taiwan.
Beyond this command center, China is also rapidly expanding its nuclear capabilities. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, China possessed 500 nuclear warheads as of January 2024, with Pentagon estimates projecting an increase to 1,500 warheads by 2035. This expansion includes the development of nuclear-powered submarines, strategic bombers, and hypersonic weapons, all aimed at enhancing China’s deterrence capabilities.
Despite the visible construction activity, the Chinese government has not publicly acknowledged the purpose of the site. Local reports are scarce, and authorities have implemented strict access controls, banning drones and closing hiking trails near the area. While Beijing has repeatedly stated that its military developments are defensive in nature, the scale of this new facility has raised concerns among U.S. defense analysts about China’s long-term strategic intentions.
