China’s President Xi Jinping is believed to be overseeing the project personally (Image: Getty)
is building a vast military command centre in western Beijing ten times the size of the Pentagon, with President understood to be personally overseeing the gargantuan project.
When complete, the construction, located roughly 30 kilometres (around 19 miles) southwest of Chinese capital’s centre, will span about 1,500 acres – vastly bigger than the nerve centre of the US Defence Department in Washington, which covers a mere 150.
Initiated in mid-2024, the project aligns with President ‘s directive for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to be capable of conducting operations against Taiwan by 2027, reports the Financial Times.
Furthermore, the timeline reflects China’s broader ambitions to modernise its military capabilities and expand its .
The facility is thought to include heavily fortified bunkers designed to protect military leaders during conflicts – including potential nuclear engagements.
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An aerial view of the Pentagon (Image: Getty)
Some analysts have even referred to the development as “Beijing Military City”.
While specific financial details remain undisclosed, the scale and complexity of the project suggest a substantial investment.
Taking all factors into consideration, the total cost to build a similar military complex in the UK would be likely be between £150 billion and £200 billion – although the figure could fluctuate depending on location, design specifications and unforeseen challenges.
The construction site is under heavy security, with restricted access and prohibitions against photography or drone use, underlining its sensitive military nature.
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A military drill on the island of Taiwan (Image: Getty)
Satellite imagery analysis indicates significant underground infrastructure, suggesting a shift from the older Western Hills command facility to this new site.
The facility is expected to enhance the PLA’s command and control capabilities, allowing for more efficient coordination across various military branches.
Tai Ming Cheung, a specialist on China’s military at the University of California, San Diego, highlighted Xi’s unprecedented level of involvement with military operations.
Xi’s engagement represents “a hands-on approach that is not characteristic of recent Chinese leaders”, he said.
A report published by the US Department of Defense last year said: “Over the next decade, the PRC probably will continue to rapidly modernise, diversify, and expand its nuclear forces.
“The PLA seeks a larger and more diverse nuclear force, comprised of systems ranging from low-yield precision strike missiles to ICBMs with multi-megaton yields to provide it options at every rung of the escalation ladder.
“DoD estimates that the PRC will have over 1,000 operational nuclear warheads by 2030, much of which will be deployed at higher readiness levels, and will continue growing its force to 2035 in line with its goal of ensuring PLA modernisation is ‘basically complete’ that year, an important milestone on the road to Xi’s goal of a ‘world class’ military by 2049.”