China Expands Nuclear Capabilities with New Launch Pads Near Missile Silos
China is significantly expanding its nuclear capabilities by constructing a network of launch pads, bunkers, and communications nodes near its nuclear missile silos. Satellite images reveal over 80 pads potentially for mobile missile launchers and air-defense batteries. This development is part of China's broader military modernization under President Xi Jinping, which has been criticized for its lack of transparency. The Pentagon reports that China is on track to field 1,000 warheads by 2030, intensifying nuclear competition with the United States amid tensions over Taiwan. Despite China's 'no first use' policy, some analysts suggest it may use nuclear coercion to deter external involvement in a Taiwan conflict. 
