The newspaper emphasizes that the complex, construction of which began in mid-2024, will be at least 10 times larger than the American Pentagon.
Available satellite images show a construction site covering approximately 6.07 km², located 30 km southwest of Beijing, with deep pits where large bunkers could be built to protect military leadership during any potential conflict, including a possible nuclear war.
Former CIA China analyst Dennis Wilder told the publication that if it is confirmed that this underground command bunker is for military leadership, including Chinese leader Xi Jinping as head of the Central Military Commission, it "signals Beijing's intention to create not only conventional world-class forces but also advanced capabilities for conducting nuclear warfare."
Several current and former U.S. officials informed the authors of the article that intelligence is closely monitoring this site. Three people familiar with the situation told FT that U.S. intelligence analysts have dubbed the project the "Beijing Military City."
The publication notes that while there is no visible military presence at the site, the construction area is under heightened security, and access to the premises as well as drone flights above it are prohibited. Additionally, there is no access to popular pedestrian and tourist areas nearby, which locals refer to as "military territory."
The media highlights that there are no signs with the parameters of the project near the construction site, nor any official mentions of this site online.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington stated that it is "unaware of the details," but emphasized that China is "committed to the path of peaceful development and a policy of defensive nature," the media adds.