China Expands Missile Production Network to Challenge US Military Dominance in Asia-Pacific

China's Missile Expansion and US Response

China has rapidly expanded its missile production network since 2020.

Western mainstream CNN reports that over 60% of 136 missile-linked sites have grown by more than 21 million square feet.

This expansion is part of what CNN describes as an urgent push to strengthen deterrence against the US and to lead a new arms race.

Asian outlet Firstpost places this buildup within the broader context of US-China military rivalry, trade disputes, and geopolitics.

Firstpost notes that concerns over China's missile growth overshadowed a meeting between Trump and Xi.

Another outlet, Букви, adds diplomatic context by describing a recent East Asia visit by U.S. President Donald Trump.

During this visit, Trump discussed rising tensions with Xi and instructed the Pentagon to consider resuming nuclear tests in response to advances by China and Russia.

Missile Site Growth and Budgets

Quantitatively, reporting on missile-related site expansion varies across sources.

CNN, representing Western mainstream media, states that more than 60% of 136 missile-related sites have expanded, adding over 21 million square feet.

Букви, another source, cites satellite analysis noting 99 missile-related sites with over 60% actively growing and the same 21 million square feet figure projected by 2025.

Firstpost, an Asian outlet, echoes significant site growth since 2020 and adds the Pentagon’s estimate that China’s missile inventory rose 50% over four years, with recent acceleration.

Budget figures also differ by year: Firstpost reports a 7.2% rise in 2025 to $245 billion, while Букви reports a 7.2% rise in 2024 to around $245 billion.

Both sources suggest that actual spending may be higher than these estimates.

China's Missile Modernization Strategies

Firstpost (Asian) emphasizes an anti-access/area denial strategy, stating that new missile facilities are designed to deter US and allied forces along China's coast.

In a potential Taiwan conflict, these missile installations aim to disable ports, bases, and supply lines to isolate the island.

CNN (Western Mainstream) presents the missile buildout as part of a military modernization effort under Xi Jinping.

This effort seeks to strengthen deterrence against the US while asserting China's status as a superpower.

Букви (Other) focuses on the modernization of the PLA Rocket Force, described as China's nuclear missile unit.

This modernization is intended to enhance national security and expand global influence.

Nuclear Policy Shifts and Arms Race

Nuclear dynamics heighten the stakes.

Firstpost (Asian) reports Trump directed the Pentagon to resume nuclear testing, breaking decades of restraint.

Букви (Other) says he instructed the Pentagon to consider resuming nuclear tests, a softer formulation that still marks a major policy shift.

Both Firstpost and Букви say China’s arsenal is growing by about 100 warheads annually.

Букви notes China and Russia have not conducted nuclear explosive tests in over 25 years.

CNN (Western Mainstream) adds context on US constraints by contrasting China’s arms-race momentum with US supply challenges.

China's Missile Expansion Impact

The implications, sources suggest, are sweeping.

Букви (Other) warns that China’s missile‑industry surge is reshaping global security and fueling a “new multi‑domain Cold War,” elevating escalation risks and straining arms control—hence its call for urgent diplomacy.

Firstpost (Asian) underscores the operational effect of a rapidly growing arsenal and a 50% missile‑inventory jump over four years, alongside continued defense‑budget growth that may understate true outlays.

CNN (Western Mainstream) stresses that the infrastructure boom is designed to enhance deterrence against the US and assert superpower status, highlighting a serious challenge to US military dominance in the Asia‑Pacific.