China has quietly deployed over 100 long-range DF-31 nuclear missiles at key sites, raising global security concerns. A Pentagon report released before Christmas shows that these missiles can reach the U.S. and the U.K., highlighting both the growing size and improved deployment of China’s arsenal amid rising tensions near Taiwan.
China’s Underground Missile Silos Enable Strategic “Shell Game”
China has concentrated its DF-31 missile forces in underground silos, making them harder to detect and more difficult to target in case of conflict. The military has placed the missiles in three remote northern regions: Hami in Xinjiang, Yumen in Gansu, and Yulin in Inner Mongolia. These sites span China’s vast northern landscape, away from densely populated areas, allowing the military to continue operations with minimal disruption.
Although around 320 silos exist across these regions, U.S. officials estimate that China currently stores just over 100 DF-31 missiles in them. This distribution allows China to shift missiles between silos, a tactic analysts call a “shell game” to confuse potential adversaries and make it harder for them to predict where the weapons are deployed. By moving missiles around, China creates uncertainty for potential attackers and improves the survivability of its nuclear arsenal.
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Through this “shell game” strategy, Beijing maintains operational flexibility while keeping the true size and location of its active DF-31 missile forces ambiguous. The Pentagon report notes that China designs these tactics to enhance deterrence and make any potential military strike against the country riskier and less certain.
Rapid-Deployment DF-31 Missiles Give China Strategic Edge
Solid fuel powers the DF-31 missiles, allowing China to deploy them rapidly. Unlike older liquid-fueled missiles that require lengthy preparation before launch, China can fire these missiles quickly, increasing their readiness in case of an emergency. This rapid response capability significantly enhances China’s strategic deterrence and ensures that its nuclear forces remain credible under various scenarios.
Each DF-31 missile has a range of approximately 6,800 miles. From their northern launch sites, they can reach most parts of the United States and all of the United Kingdom. This extensive reach gives China the ability to project power far beyond its immediate neighborhood and adds complexity to global security calculations.
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Experts note that the solid-fuel technology, combined with underground silo deployment, makes it difficult for opponents to anticipate or counter any potential launch. The Pentagon report emphasizes that China’s investment in these capabilities reflects a deliberate effort to strengthen both defensive and offensive elements of its nuclear posture.
Moreover, the combination of mobility, rapid readiness, and long range ensures that the DF-31 missiles serve as a core pillar of China’s nuclear deterrent. They provide a credible threat that can influence strategic decision-making by other countries, especially in high-stakes situations near Taiwan or in broader global conflicts.
Key Launch Sites and Strategic Importance
The three main launch areas—Hami, Yumen, and Yulin—are located in sparsely populated regions, giving China the ability to operate these weapons without interference from civilian activity. Hami, in Xinjiang, is a key northern site close to China’s western border. Yumen, in Gansu, lies farther east, while Yulin, in Inner Mongolia, covers the northeastern region.
The arrangement of these silos allows for flexibility in operations. By potentially moving missiles between sites, China can maintain uncertainty about the location of active warheads. This tactic ensures that any adversary attempting to plan a counter-strike would face significant difficulties in targeting China’s nuclear forces accurately.
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The Pentagon memo also notes that the buildup of these long-range missiles coincides with China’s broader military activities, including recent rocket tests near Taiwan. Analysts suggest that China may deploy these weapons to send strategic signals, demonstrate its capability to project power in the region, and reinforce its position in disputes over Taiwan and other contested areas.
With more than 100 missiles now ready, China’s nuclear capabilities represent a powerful strategic asset. The DF-31 missiles’ mobility, rapid launch potential, and extensive range make them a core component of China’s defense infrastructure. Their deployment in underground silos and remote areas further enhances their survivability, making them a central element of China’s long-term military strategy.
