China uses US warship replica as target for missile tests, images show

China has constructed a new replica of a US Navy destroyer at a remote missile-testing site in its northwestern desert, according to satellite imagery. Analysts suggest this target, resembling an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, could be used to test anti-ship weapons.

The structure was first identified in the Taklamakan Desert in far-western Xinjiang, with satellite images indicating its presence since at least June. This appears to be the latest in a series of mock US Navy warships China has built in the desert over the past five years. Previous imagery from 2021 showed targets shaped like an aircraft carrier and two destroyers at a testing range in the Ruoqiang area.

Debris from missile strikes has been observed around these mock-ups, and the Ruoqiang site is identified by analysts as a location for anti-ship ballistic missile testing. While militaries globally build replicas for weapons testing, China's actions are viewed in the context of regional tensions, particularly concerning Taiwan. Beijing has vowed to bring the self-ruled democracy under its control, by force if necessary.

In addition to warships, China has also erected replicas of central Taipei landmarks, including the Presidential Office Building, at military bases in Inner Mongolia. These displays, coupled with China's recent showcasing of advanced anti-ship missiles, signal Beijing's intent to enhance its capabilities to strike adversaries at sea, as noted by military experts.