Overview
- Planet Labs imagery published on Nov. 12 shows significant construction at Lop Nur, including an expanded testing area, a lengthened runway and dozens of new buildings.
- Former U.S. geospatial analyst Renny Babiarz assesses that new boreholes and horizontal tunnels indicate a fresh underground test area developed between 2020 and 2024.
- New photos appear to show two tailless stealth fighter jets positioned by the runway, which observers have linked to operations tied to an experimental space plane.
- Support infrastructure such as access roads, support buildings and storage facilities for explosives has expanded since the last available images in 2020.
- Experts interpret the buildup as part of a broader Chinese military modernization with potential nuclear-testing implications and regional risks, noting China’s arsenal is estimated at about 600 warheads compared with much larger U.S. and Russian stockpiles.