China signals buildout of nuclear missile silos for ‘strategic trump cards’

China has offered a rare confirmation of its recent expansion of nuclear missile silos, detailing the construction program in a documentary aired by state television. The program, titled "Securing Victory," was broadcast as part of CCTV's programming for the 99th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

In an interview featured in the documentary, Cui Daohu, an officer with a PLA Rocket Force engineering unit, described his unit's role in building these missile positions. He referred to them as China's "strategic trump cards," emphasizing that despite a tight schedule, the construction was completed on time. Cui highlighted the significance of each completed position, stating that it allows for the deployment of more nuclear weapons, ensuring they are combat-ready.

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We build homes for missiles. Each position we complete means more trump-card weapons can be deployed and be combat ready … earlier.

While Cui did not specify the types of missiles intended for these silos, he detailed the engineering complexities involved. His unit faced challenges in erecting extremely heavy core components and precisely assembling large sections on-site without any damage. "It falls to us to conquer the mountains and the deserts, ensuring that our country can play her ultimate strategic trump cards," he stated, underscoring the critical role of his team's work in national defense strategy.

The acknowledgement and detailed reporting on the silo construction program signal China's ongoing efforts to bolster its strategic nuclear capabilities. The documentary provides a glimpse into the PLA's engineering prowess and its commitment to enhancing the country's deterrent forces.

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It falls to us to conquer the mountains and the deserts, ensuring that our country can play her ultimate strategic trump cards.