Nuclear Force C3I System

Last updated: 28 January 2007

The PLA designed its nuclear force in such a way that the force has great utility without reliance on the integration of systems beyond the level of the individual missiles. Unlike the USAF strategic bomber and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) forces with its complex structure of warning systems, decision-making arrangements, command and control networks, coordination of a triad of platforms, etc., China’s system for its nuclear missiles is relatively simple and unintegrated. The PLA Second Artillery Corps (SAC) is not linked to systems in space for detection of an enemy’s incoming missiles. The execution of a prompt, complex, coordinated nuclear strike is not contemplated by China. Instead a rather leisurely retaliation is envisioned, using a handful of missiles, possibly days or weeks after surviving an attack.

In addition, China have also constructed an extensive network of hardened, underground bunkers to provide a refuge for the leaderships of the Chinese Communist Party, Central Government, Central Military Commission (CMC) and the four PLA general departments in time of crisis or a nuclear war. One of such facilities is located in Xiangshan Mountain in Fangshan District, a satellite city 150km to the south of Beijing. The underground facility is built entirely inside the mountain body and is said to be able to house several thousand people.

As of 1986, China's nuclear warheads were not secured by permissive-action-link (PAL) devices, and it is not believed that this situation has changed during the intervening years. Although China does not have PAL devices, it does follow a set of procedures that provide Chinese leaders with a lot of confidence that an unauthorised launch would be unlikely, including a "two man rule" and the separate storage of warheads.

In recent years the SAC has deployed the Missile Brigade Control System, the Electronic Command System, and the Commonly Used Message Processing System to fill the gaps in the electronic command of various fixed and mobile missile systems. At the end of 1997, culminating a three year effort, the signal unit of the Second Artillery Corps completed the acceptance testing of a new digital microwave communications system. This new system provides missiles units with an all-weather communication support ability, enhancing the communications support capabilities of launch positions. With the completion of the new system, the communications of the Corps is no longer affected by weather and other natural conditions.

Missile Launch Command & Control Centre: Inside a vehicle-mounted missile launch command & control centre of the PLA Second Artillery Corps (Source: Chinese Internet)

Railway Mobile Launch Centre: The PLA Second Artillery Corps was seen using railway train as mobile missile launch command & control centre (Source: CCTV footage)