China Reportedly Builds Mock US, Taiwan Targets for Drills

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China has constructed an extensive network of life-size military and government replicas, including mock-ups of U.S. and Taiwanese warships, military bases, and government buildings, according to satellite imagery analyzed by defense researchers, in what analysts say appears to be preparation for a potential conflict over Taiwan.

The satellite images, analyzed by The Telegraph and independent researchers, show replicas of Taiwan’s presidential office, foreign ministry, and judiciary, as well as Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan, home to the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed forces.

Defense analysts said the sites appear designed to help the People’s Liberation Army test long-range precision weapons and rehearse strikes against critical military and political targets that could play key roles in a conflict over the self-governed island.

“The accuracy of the replicas ‘signals a highly specific focus on potential adversaries rather than generic capability building,'” Damien Symon, a geo-intelligence researcher at The Intel Lab, told the outlet.

The findings add to growing concerns about China’s military modernization and preparations for a possible invasion or blockade of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own territory despite the island’s self-governing status.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly declared that Taiwan must eventually be brought under Beijing’s control and has refused to rule out the use of force.

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