China Expands Missile Bases to Pressure Taiwan — The New York Times

China is transforming its eastern coast into a launch platform for potential missile strikes against Taiwan and U.S. bases in Asia. The Pentagon estimates China’s arsenal has grown nearly 50% in four years to about 3,500 missiles, including hypersonic systems that are harder to intercept. The buildup is meant to pressure Taiwan and deter Washington.

Source The New York Times

Satellite images show new brigades, such as 611 and 616, building dozens of launchpads, training complexes, and shelters for mobile launchers. The new Dongfeng-17 and Dongfeng-26 missiles can carry nuclear warheads and strike U.S. facilities from Guam to Japan, sharply raising the risk of escalation.

In a war scenario, China would scatter mobile launchers across coastal sites and mountain shelters to evade defenses. Experts warn that even if U.S. systems can track some movements, the sheer number and maneuverability of missiles could overwhelm defenses, making any Taiwan conflict even more dangerous.