China’s military advancements pose new challenge to the West

China is rapidly expanding its military infrastructure, constructing an underground defense complex that has caught the attention of U.S. and European intelligence agencies. The classified site, referred to as "Beijing Military City" by Western experts, is believed to be the largest military command and control center in the world.

According to The Financial Times, satellite images show a massive construction site about 30 kilometers from Beijing, covering approximately 1,500 acres. The images reveal at least 100 cranes operating over a five-square-kilometer area, with deep underground structures and tunnels being built.

Intelligence reports suggest the site is designed to function as a fortified command center in the event of a nuclear conflict. Strong concrete bunkers are being constructed at extreme depths to provide secure military operations, aligning with President Xi Jinping’s vision of making China a dominant global power.

A growing concern for Western intelligence

The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the British MI6, France’s DGSE, and Germany’s BND are closely monitoring the project. Analysts believe the underground complex could be up to 10 times the size of the Pentagon, further fueling concerns about China’s military ambitions.

A Telegraph report indicates that China’s current military headquarters, built during the Cold War, lacks modern protective capabilities. Experts speculate that the new site will replace the outdated facility, offering China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) a secure and high-tech command center resistant to ballistic missile and nuclear attacks.

Unlike typical military bases, the Beijing Military City is absent from Chinese state media or official reports. Satellite surveillance suggests the area is heavily restricted, with Red Army guards blocking access and enforcing a strict no-fly zone for drones.

China’s military transformation

This development comes as the PLA aggressively expands its nuclear arsenal and integrates artificial intelligence into its defense strategies. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China is increasing its nuclear warhead stockpile and working on advanced weapon systems to rival the U.S. military.

China’s defense budget for 2024 stands at $373 billion, the second largest in the world after the United States’ $840 billion. This figure far exceeds the military expenditures of the United Kingdom ($54 billion), France ($60 billion), and Germany ($64 billion) combined.

Beijing has also developed the DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missile, capable of striking targets across the globe, including the United States. Voice of America reports that China currently possesses over 500 nuclear warheads, a number expected to reach 1,000 by 2030.

The world’s largest navy and AI-powered military

China’s military dominance extends beyond land forces. It now has the world’s largest navy, with over 370 warships and submarines—surpassing the U.S. Navy’s 292 vessels. The PLA Air Force also boasts over 1,000 fighter jets, including J-20 stealth aircraft, which are considered comparable to America’s F-35 and F-22 jets.

Artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in China’s military strategy. The country leads in AI and quantum computing patents, significantly outpacing the U.S. in technological advancements. The Times has described China’s AI progress as a modern "Sputnik moment," likening it to the Soviet Union’s space race challenge to the U.S.

According to Reuters, China’s AI-driven warfare capabilities, including unmanned drones and cyber intelligence, are raising alarm in Washington. The Pentagon has labeled Beijing as the “greatest threat” to U.S. global influence, citing increased cyberattacks and military provocations.

A global shift in military power?

As China strengthens its military and economic influence, global dynamics are shifting. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has already expanded China’s geopolitical reach, with over $1 trillion invested in infrastructure projects across 140 countries.

A Gallup poll from 2023 revealed that 41% of Americans view China as the country’s top adversary, highlighting growing concerns over Beijing’s strategic ambitions. The U.S. Department of Defense has also warned that China is deliberately avoiding military dialogue with Washington, further escalating tensions.

While the United States remains the world’s foremost military power, China’s rapid advancements in defense technology, nuclear capabilities, and AI-driven warfare indicate that it is steadily closing the gap. The development of the Beijing Military City is just one of many steps toward Beijing’s broader goal: reshaping the global order on its terms.