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In the heart of the desert: China has set up models of American battleships
Satellite images have revealed what appears to be the Chinese military's readiness to practice a future confrontation with the US Navy, amid growing tensions between the powers.
Washington is particularly concerned about the possibility of an invasion of Taiwan, and is following the rapid expansion of the Chinese nuclear arsenal
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Tuesday, 09 November 2021, 11:09 Updated: 11:17
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In video: China calls on US to stop sending false messages to Taiwan's independence forces (Photo: Reuters)
China has built American aircraft carrier and destroyer models in its northwestern desert, satellite images from the region have shown. The models may be used by Beijing for an exercise in preparation for a naval clash in light of the growing tension between the powers. China has massively upgraded its military in recent years, in preparation for a possible confrontation between it and the United States over tensions in the South China Sea, Taiwan and military supremacy in the India and Pacific region.
The photos were documented Sunday by satellite photography firm Maxar Technologies of Colorado, and show the contours of an American aircraft carrier and at least one destroyer placed on a railroad track. The company identified the site in Rokiang, Tkalmakan Desert in northwestern Xinjiang Province.
The U.S. Navy Research Institute's website states that the ships' models were part of a new range of targets developed by the Chinese military. It was not clear from the photos how many characteristics were included in the same targets, although the institute said they identified trenches and weapon systems in the destroyer.
China Foreign Ministry spokesman Wong Wenbin said in a daily briefing to reporters yesterday that he had no information about the photos: "I am not aware of the situation you mentioned."
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Tensions between the powers are growing.
Model of the aircraft carrier set up by China (Photo: Reuters)
China's massive military upgrade has highlighted its dealings with US and other naval forces.
It included the development of land, sea and air missiles to repel and even sink hostile vessels, including the DF-21D missile, which is launched from land and is known as a "port killer".
In recent months, there has also been a significant increase in China's air activity off the coast of Taiwan, which China is threatening to annex by force.
Washington supplies Taiwan with a large portion of its weapons and U.S. law obliges the administration to ensure that the Democratic island can defend itself.
Washington refers to threats against Taiwan, which split from China after the civil war in the middle of the last century but is not recognized by most countries in the world, with "serious concern".
China tries to surpass American supremacy until mid-century (Photo: Reuters)
This month the Pentagon released a report warning that China is expanding its nuclear arsenal much faster than US officials predicted just a year ago.
The report states that Beijing's goal seems to be to equal or surpass American supremacy by the middle of the current century.
US defense officials are expressing growing concern about China's intentions, especially with regard to Taiwan.
"The evolving capabilities and concepts of the Chinese military continue to strengthen (China's) ability to 'fight and win wars' against 'a strong enemy' - a term that probably describes the United States," the report said.
In addition, China's navy and coastguard are expanding at a record pace, and it is concentrating them in the South China Sea, the strategic waterway most of which Beijing is claiming for itself.
While the U.S. Navy remains the dominant force, it divides its resources between the islands of India and the Pacific, the Persian Gulf, the Mediterranean and other areas of importance to American interests.
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