China constructs massive military command center larger than the Pentagon

China is currently engaged in the construction of a military command center that is projected to be the largest in the world, surpassing even the size of the U.S. Pentagon by at least ten times. According to a report published by the Financial Times, which cites U.S. officials, the site, covering approximately 1,500 acres, is located just southwest of Beijing. Satellite imagery, obtained in mid-2024, has revealed the scale of this ambitious project, which could serve as a strategic ‘doomsday’ bunker for the People’s Liberation Army in the event of a nuclear conflict. This development is particularly significant considering the upcoming 100th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army scheduled for 2027. Intelligence experts suspect that the new command center, referred to as ‘Beijing Military City,’ is designed to bolster China’s nuclear warfare capabilities. Observations from the construction site show extensive activity, including around 100 cranes involved in creating underground facilities interconnected with tunnels. While currently devoid of a military presence, various features of the site suggest its sensitivity and strategic importance for China’s military ambitions. Additionally, this construction coincides with an intensified rhetoric from Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the potential reunification with Taiwan by 2027. Xi Jinping has asserted that force may be employed if needed to achieve this goal. The geopolitical implications of this situation elevate concerns among international observers, particularly given Taiwan's defense agreements with the United States and its crucial role in the global semiconductor supply chain. The site’s construction has led to restricted access in the surrounding areas, with popular hiking trails being closed to the public. Signage has also been installed to prohibit drone photography, and access points have been tightly controlled by checkpoints. Analysts view the command center as emblematic of China’s broader military expansion strategy, which the Pentagon estimates will result in an arsenal of around 1,500 nuclear weapons by 2035. The implications of this significant military investment could alter the balance of power in the region and signal a shift in China’s defense posture moving forward.