American media, citing the latest satellite imagery and research, indicate that since 2020, China has been steadily expanding the scale of its missile production and research facilities.
Nationwide, there are at least 136 bases or factories related to missile manufacturing, with more than 60 percent showing signs of large-scale expansion. Experts assess that these moves may be part of China’s long-term preparations for potential military action against Taiwan.
According to CNN, analysis teams comparing recent satellite images found that multiple facilities in China related to the Rocket Force and missile industry are simultaneously undergoing expansion or renovation. These include factories, research centers, testing, and storage bases. Since early 2020, the total expanded area has increased by over 21 million square feet (approximately 1.95 million square meters), a considerable scale.
Researchers note that this wave of expansion is concentrated mainly in inland and coastal regions, with some facilities associated with China’s Strategic Support Force and Aerospace Industry Corporation. The report suggests that China’s intention may be to enhance missile production capacity and deployment density, thereby increasing strategic pressure on Taiwan and surrounding areas.
A scholar from a U.S. think tank stated that China has long believed that thousands of missiles are sufficient to suppress Taiwan’s defense. However, after observing the Russia-Ukraine war, Beijing has reassessed operational requirements and may “significantly increase” the number of missiles needed for an attack. This indicates China is seeking to build a larger missile stockpile to support sustained, high-intensity operations.
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Analysts believe that these newly built and expanded facilities could support long-range strike capabilities against ports, helicopter bases, supply lines, and critical infrastructure. Once these production lines are fully operational, China could produce several hundred additional short- and medium-range ballistic missiles annually.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense responded by stating that the military continuously monitors cross-strait developments and adjusts readiness and defense strategies according to the situation. The ministry emphasized that Taiwan has strong defensive resolve and capabilities and continues to deepen security cooperation with allied countries to ensure regional peace and stability.
Experts warn that a significant increase in missile production capacity could intensify the arms race and security risks in the Indo-Pacific region. If China continues to expand these facilities in the short term, it will place greater strategic pressure on the Taiwan Strait and neighboring countries.
