Global Affairs

Is China changing its nuclear posture?

The sighting of missile silos under construction in Gansu and Xinjiang has sparked a debate about a possible new nuclear arms race.

An undated handout satellite image obtained on July 29, 2021 courtesy of Planet Labs Inc shows an image that researchers say are missile silos under construction in the Chinese desert. PHOTO: 2021 PLANET LABS, INC.
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

The first discovery seemed just a fluke; the second discovery appeared to confirm a pattern. Or did it?

A lively debate is currently raging among security specialists and scholars in the US and other Western countries about the significance of newly published satellite images indicating that China is engaged in a massive construction project of new underground nuclear missile launch silos.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.