China is always in the headlines for one reason or another. Sometimes in terms of technology, sometimes in showing the strength of its army. But the news that has come this time is different from all the rest. Satellite images show that China has built some strange structures in the middle of its largest desert, the Taklamakan Desert.
At first glance, these structures do not look like any ordinary building. If you look carefully at the satellite photos, it is clear that these are designed exactly like warships. The special thing is that some of these resemble American aircraft carriers and destroyers. Now the question arises, why does China need to build ships in the desert?
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Taklamakan Desert and Mysterious Structures
Taklamakan is the largest desert in China, whose area is about 3.5 lakh square kilometers. Sand and desolation all around, where human settlement is not visible far and wide. At this very place, China has built three models of large ships.
According to satellite images, one of these replicas looks exactly like the American Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier. The second one looks like an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, and the third one looks like a Nimitz-class carrier. Their length and design match the original ships to a great extent.
Why Were Fake Models Of Ships Made?
Now this question is in everyone’s mind: if ships move in water, then why were they made in sand? These models are not for any exhibition, but have been made for China’s military testing.
China has worked a lot on its missile technology in the last few years. Especially the DF-21D missile, which is called an anti-ship ballistic missile. Its purpose is to destroy the enemy’s aircraft carrier from a distance by a precision strike.
But a big problem was that to test such a missile, a real target is needed in the open sea. The danger in sea trials is that debris can fall into the hands of other countries, and technology can leak. To avoid this, China built replicas of American warships in the desert so that missile tests could be conducted without any disturbance.
Dummy Targets and Missile Testing
According to reports, these ships are not real 3D ships, but models made from flat metal outlines. These have poles fitted with sensors. When China tests its missiles, these sensors collect data on where the missile hit, how much damage was caused, and from which angle the strike was effective.
This means that this entire desert has become a simulation ground where China is rehearsing against its enemies.
Why is it a matter of concern for India?
This desert is only about 200-250 kilometers away from India’s border (Line of Actual Control). This means that every activity happening here can directly pose a threat to India.
Not only this, but China has already been claiming areas like Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh. Border clashes have also happened many times. Reports have also revealed that China has built a replica of Aksai Chin in its area to train its soldiers.
That means if a situation of war arises between India and China in the future, then the Chinese soldiers would have already practiced in that area.
Why is America worried?
Not only India, but America is also worried about this desert project. Because the ships whose replicas have been built here, the same real ships are currently part of the US Navy in the South China Sea.The
South China Sea is the biggest disputed area between China and America. The trade routes, oil reserves, and strategic importance here are so significant that neither country is ready to retreat.
So if China is testing missiles on these American ships in the desert, then it means to give a direct warning to America that “we are ready.”
Deception Strategy: China’s old trick
Another angle is that China is quite adept at deception, i.e., “strategy of illusion”. In history, too, China has repeatedly used fake armies, dummy camps, and trick strategies.
In World War 2, the Allies created a ghost army to deceive Germany. China is doing the same thing, confusing the world by creating fake ships and fake airbases. When viewed from a satellite, it seems as if China has built an entire naval base in the desert.
What should India do?
India is also making its preparations. Border roads and tunnels are being built, and air bases are being upgraded in the northeast. But the ground reality is that India is still behind the pace at which China is conducting rehearsals and drills.
These ship models in the Taklamakan Desert are not just for training. This is an indication that China is doing long-term war planning. And if India does not strengthen its defense strategy in time, then problems may increase further in the future.
So in the end, the question remains the same: what is China hiding in its desert?
The answer is that China is preparing against its enemies, especially America and India. Whether these are missile test sites or dummy targets, the real motive is clear- to gain an edge at any cost during war.
Seeing a ship in the desert may seem strange at first sight, but in reality, it is a part of China’s biggest military strategy.
My name is Farhad Dawar and I am graduate of the Institute of Media and Communication Studies Bahaddin Zakariya University Multan Pakistan. I’m passionate about journalism and media, and I believe in journalism of courage, uncovering the truth, and shaping the future.
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
