China is reportedly engaged in the construction of an extensive wartime military command center located southwest of Beijing, a move that has raised international concerns regarding the potential escalation of military tensions in the region. Satellite imagery analyzed by U.S. intelligence sources and initially reported by the Financial Times reveals a vast construction site covering approximately 1,500 acres (607 hectares). The site features deep excavations that are believed to be intended for large, reinforced bunkers capable of withstanding conflict.
Current and former American defense officials have assessed the facility as a significant hub for coordinating military operations for the Chinese armed forces, while also serving as a refuge for high-ranking military personnel in the event of a conflict. The estimated size of this command center is remarkable, purportedly at least ten times larger than the Pentagon, leading some military analysts to label it as “Beijing Military City”—potentially the largest military command facility of its kind worldwide.
Nonetheless, the timeline for the completion of this ambitious project remains uncertain, with initial evaluations suggesting that construction is still in its infancy. The covert nature of the construction efforts has been notable; there is little visible military presence at the site, and access is heavily restricted. A checkpoint has been established to control entry from the rear of the construction area, while tourists are banned from hiking or visiting nearby zones to maintain a low profile around the development.
Furthering the operational security of the site, warning signs have been posted around the perimeter, prohibiting drone flights and photography, indicating a clear intention to keep the project under wraps. Satellite images show extensive activity at the site, with at least 100 cranes observed working across a 5-square-kilometer (1.9-square-mile) footprint to develop the underground infrastructure necessary for the command center.
In response to inquiries regarding the facility, the Chinese embassy in Washington stated that it was unaware of the specific details about the construction but reiterated Beijing’s commitment to pursuing a path of “peaceful development.”
As tensions in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea reach new heights, the Chinese military appears to be ramping up its war preparations. The United States maintains a mutual defense treaty with Taiwan, promising military support in the event of an invasion. This commitment has compelled both China and the U.S.—two of the world’s most powerful military forces—to expedite their preparations. A U.S. military commander remarked in March 2024 that China is “on track” with its military readiness for a potential invasion of Taiwan, which could occur by 2027.
