China builds full-scale US warship replica in desert, raising strategic concerns

Recent satellite imagery has revealed that China continues to construct and refine full-scale replicas of U.S. Navy warships in its remote desert regions, particularly the Taklamakan Desert in Xinjiang. The latest images from June 2026 show a new, highly detailed mock-up of an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, building upon earlier constructions of aircraft carrier and destroyer targets first reported in 2021. Some of these intricate replicas are even mounted on rail systems to simulate evasive maneuvers of vessels at sea, providing dynamic test environments.

These desert installations are widely believed to serve as crucial testing grounds for China's advanced anti-ship missile programs. Analysts suggest they are used to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of precision-guided weapons, such as the DF-21D and DF-26 "carrier killer" missiles, by allowing for realistic target acquisition and impact assessment. The facilities aid in refining missile guidance systems and artificial intelligence algorithms designed to distinguish and strike naval vessels.

Beyond their technical testing utility, the conspicuous presence of these replicas is also seen as a strategic message. By openly showcasing its capability to simulate and counter U.S. naval assets, China aims to demonstrate its growing anti-access/area denial capabilities, signaling a deterrence against potential adversaries in the Indo-Pacific region and highlighting its military modernization efforts.