People's Liberation Army Rocket Force#Base 61

{{Further|China and weapons of mass destruction}}

China established the Second Artillery as a branch of the PLA designed to operate its nuclear missiles.{{Cite book |last=Cunningham |first=Fiona S. |title=Under the Nuclear Shadow: China's Information-Age Weapons in International Security |date=2025 |publisher=Princeton University Press |isbn=978-0-691-26103-4 |location=}}{{Rp|page=75}} Top political leadership retained centralized control over the nuclear arsenal.{{Rp|pages=75–76}} In 1967, the CMC issued the Temporary Regulations on the Second Artillery's Basic Tasks and Command Relationships, which established a direct line of command to the nuclear missile units and specified that "force development, deployments, maneuvers, and especially its combat [operations] must all be under the collective leadership of the CMC; extremely strictly [and] extremely precisely, obeying and carrying out the orders of the CMC."{{Rp|pages=76–77}}

In 1980, the CMC stated that the Second Artillery should operate under the principles of "close defense" to ensure survivability of the nuclear force and "key point counterstrikes" to carry out retaliation.{{Rp|pages=75–76}} In 1984, the Second Artillery added a third principle, reflecting Deng Xiaoping's preferences, that the nuclear force be "lean and effective".{{Rp|page=76}}

In the late 1980s, China was the world's third-largest nuclear power, possessing a small but credible nuclear deterrent force of approximately 100 to 400 nuclear weapons. Beginning in the late 1970s, China deployed a full range of nuclear weapons and acquired a nuclear second-strike capability. The nuclear forces were operated by the 100,000-person Strategic Missile Force, which was controlled directly by the General Staff.

China began developing nuclear weapons in the late 1950s with substantial Soviet assistance. With the Sino-Soviet split in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Soviet Union withheld plans and data for an atomic bomb, abrogated the agreement on transferring defense and nuclear technology, and began the withdrawal of Soviet advisers in 1960. Despite the termination of Soviet assistance, China committed itself to continue nuclear weapons development to break "the superpowers' monopoly on nuclear weapons," to ensure Chinese security against the Soviet and American threats, and to increase Chinese prestige and power internationally.

China made rapid progress in the 1960s in developing nuclear weapons. In a 32-month period, China successfully tested its first atomic bomb on October 16, 1964, at Lop Nor, launched its first nuclear missile on October 27, 1966, and detonated its first hydrogen bomb on June 17, 1967. Deployment of the Dongfeng-1 conventionally armed short-range ballistic missile and the Dongfeng-2 (CSS-1) medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) occurred in the 1960s. The Dongfeng-3 (CCS-2) intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) was successfully tested in 1969. Although the Cultural Revolution disrupted the strategic weapons program less than other scientific and educational sectors in China, there was a slowdown in succeeding years.

Gansu hosted a missile launching area.{{cite book|author1=Ben R. Rich|author2=Leo Janos|title=Skunk Works: A Personal Memoir of My Years of Lockheed|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oL4bHPIt7XIC&q=airfield+kansu&pg=PT121|date=26 February 2013|publisher=Little, Brown|isbn=978-0-316-24693-4|access-date=12 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129125459/https://books.google.com/books?id=oL4bHPIt7XIC&pg=PT121&dq=airfield+kansu&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj2nInZ7KLQAhVCYyYKHcYvBUgQ6AEIODAF#v=onepage&q=airfield%20kansu&f=false|archive-date=29 January 2020|url-status=live}} China destroyed 9 U-2 surveillance craft while two went missing when they attempted to spy on it.{{cite book|author=Robin D. S. Higham|title=One Hundred Years of Air Power and Aviation|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jghTEZgYWakC&q=airfield+kansu&pg=PA228|year=2003|publisher=Texas A&M University Press|isbn=978-1-58544-241-6|pages=228–|access-date=2016-11-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200214075050/https://books.google.com/books?id=jghTEZgYWakC&pg=PA228&dq=airfield+kansu&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj2nInZ7KLQAhVCYyYKHcYvBUgQ6AEIRDAH#v=onepage&q=airfield%20kansu&f=false|archive-date=2020-02-14|url-status=live}}

In the 1970s, the nuclear weapons program saw the development of MRBM, IRBM and ICBMs and marked the beginning of a deterrent force. China continued MRBM deployment, began deploying the Dongfeng-3 IRBM and successfully tested and commenced deployment of the Dongfeng-4 (CSS-4) limited-range ICBM.

By 1980, China had overcome the slowdown in nuclear development caused by the Cultural Revolution and had successes in its strategic weapons program. In May 1980, China successfully test launched its full-range ICBM, the Dongfeng-5 (CCS-4); the missile flew from central China to the Western Pacific, where it was recovered by a naval task force. The Dongfeng-5 possessed the capability to hit targets in the Soviet Union and the western United States.

In 1981, China launched three satellites into space orbit from a single launch vehicle, indicating that China might possess the technology to develop multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs). China also launched the Type 092 submarine SSBN (Xia-class) in 1981, and the next year it conducted its first successful test launch of the Julang-2 submarine-launched ballistic missile (CSS-NX-4).

In addition to the development of a sea-based nuclear force, China began considering the development of tactical nuclear weapons. PLA exercises featured the simulated use of tactical nuclear weapons in offensive and defensive situations beginning in 1982. Reports of Chinese possession of tactical nuclear weapons had remained unconfirmed in 1987.

In 1986, China possessed a credible deterrent force with land, sea and air elements. Land-based forces included ICBMs, IRBMs, and MRBMs. The sea-based strategic force consisted of SSBNs. The Air Force's bombers were capable of delivering nuclear bombs but would be unlikely to penetrate the sophisticated air defenses of modern military powers.

During the 1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia, the United States bombed the Chinese embassy in Belgrade.{{Rp|page=17}} Believing that the bombing was intentional, Chinese leadership worried that China was significantly lacking in leverage against the United States.{{Rp|page=17}} Among the measures China took to close its lack in leverage were efforts to develop precision missiles and accelerating plans to expand conventional missile forces.{{Rp|page=|pages=17, 132}}

China's nuclear forces, in combination with the PLA's conventional forces, served to deter both nuclear and conventional attacks on the Chinese lands. Chinese leaders pledged to not use nuclear weapons first (no first use), but pledged to absolutely counter-attack with nuclear weapons if nuclear weapons are used against China. China envisioned retaliation against strategic and tactical attacks and would probably strike countervalue rather than counterforce targets.

The combination of China's few nuclear weapons and technological factors such as range, accuracy, and response time limited the effectiveness of nuclear strikes against counterforce targets. China has been seeking to increase the credibility of its nuclear retaliatory capability by dispersing and concealing its nuclear forces in difficult terrain, improving their mobility, and hardening its missile silos.

The CJ-10 long-range cruise missile made its first public appearance during the military parade on the 60th Anniversary of the People's Republic of China; the CJ-10 represents the next generation in rocket weapons technology in the PLA.

In late 2009, it was reported that the Corps was constructing a {{convert|3000|–|5000|km|mi|adj=on}} long underground launch and storage facility for nuclear missiles in the Hebei province.{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/12/14/2009121400292.html|title=China Builds Underground 'Great Wall' Against Nuke Attack|website=The Chosun Ilbo|date=December 14, 2009|access-date=29 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216013048/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/12/14/2009121400292.html|archive-date=16 February 2020|url-status=live}} 47 News reported that the facility was likely located in the Taihang Mountains.{{cite web |last1=Zhang |first1=Hui |title=China's Underground Great Wall: Subterranean Ballistic Missiles |url=https://www.belfercenter.org/publication/chinas-underground-great-wall-subterranean-ballistic-missiles |website=Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs |publisher=Harvard University |access-date=29 June 2019 |language=en |date=31 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629155708/https://www.belfercenter.org/publication/chinas-underground-great-wall-subterranean-ballistic-missiles |archive-date=29 June 2019 |url-status=live }}

The DF-ZF hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) made its first flight test on 9 January 2014;{{cite news|last=Fisher|first=Richard D Jr|url=http://www.janes.com/article/56282/us-officials-confirm-sixth-chinese-hypersonic-manoeuvring-strike-vehicle-test|title=US officials confirm sixth Chinese hypersonic manoeuvring strike vehicle test|work=Jane's Defence Weekly|date=26 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151129233721/https://www.janes.com/article/56282/us-officials-confirm-sixth-chinese-hypersonic-manoeuvring-strike-vehicle-test|archive-date=2015-11-29}} it likely entered service by October 2019.{{cite web |last1=Rahmat |first1=Ridzwan |last2=Udoshi |first2=Rahul |title=Update: China releases rare footage of supposed DF-17 missile firing |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/update-china-releases-rare-footage-of-supposed-df-17-missile-firing |website=Janes |date=3 August 2022 |access-date=9 March 2024 |archive-date=9 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309222441/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/update-china-releases-rare-footage-of-supposed-df-17-missile-firing |url-status=live }} It is believed to have atop speed of Mach 10, or {{convert|12,360|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.{{cite news|last=Gady|first=Franz-Stefan|url=https://thediplomat.com/2016/04/china-tests-new-weapon-capable-of-breaching-u-s-missile-defense-systems/|title=China Tests New Weapon Capable of Breaching US Missile Defense Systems|work=The Diplomat|date=28 April 2016|access-date=2018-12-14|archive-date=2018-12-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215065759/https://thediplomat.com/2016/04/china-tests-new-weapon-capable-of-breaching-u-s-missile-defense-systems/|url-status=live}}

Two Chinese technical papers from December 2012 and April 2013 show that China has concluded that hypersonic weapons pose "a new aerospace threat" and that they are developing satellite directed precision guidance systems. China is the third country to enter the "hypersonic arms race" after Russia and the United States. The U.S. Air Force has flown the X-51A Waverider technology demonstrator and the U.S. Army has flight tested the Advanced Hypersonic Weapon.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}} China later confirmed the successful test flight of a "hypersonic missile delivery vehicle," but claimed it was part of a scientific experiment and not aimed at a target.{{cite news |last1=Waldron |first1=Greg |title=China confirms test of "hypersonic missile delivery vehicle" |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/china-confirms-test-of-hypersonic-missile-delivery-394903/ |access-date=29 June 2019 |work=FlightGlobal |date=16 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629155707/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/china-confirms-test-of-hypersonic-missile-delivery-394903/ |archive-date=29 June 2019 |url-status=live }}

US Air Force National Air and Space Intelligence Center estimated that as of 2023 the number of Chinese nuclear warheads capable of reaching the United States has expanded well over 200.{{Cite report|author=Defense Intelligence Ballistic Missile Analysis Committee|publisher=NASIC|url=https://www.nasic.af.mil/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=F2VLcKSmCTE%3d&portalid=19|title=Ballistic and Cruise Missile Threat|date=June 2017|access-date=2019-06-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618063423/https://www.nasic.af.mil/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=F2VLcKSmCTE%3D&portalid=19|archive-date=2019-06-18|url-status=live}}

In June 2021, James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies has found out that China is constructing new missile silo field in Gansu in western China. According to the satellite picture, 119 missile silos for intercontinental ballistic missiles are under construction near Yumen City.{{Cite news|title=China is building more than 100 new missile silos in its western desert, analysts say|first1=Joby|last1=Warrick|date=30 June 2021|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/china-nuclear-missile-silos/2021/06/30/0fa8debc-d9c2-11eb-bb9e-70fda8c37057_story.html|access-date=August 21, 2021|newspaper=The Washington Post|archive-date=August 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827004349/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/china-nuclear-missile-silos/2021/06/30/0fa8debc-d9c2-11eb-bb9e-70fda8c37057_story.html|url-status=live}} In July, Federation Of American Scientists found out there are another 110 silos being built in Hami, Xinjiang. The two significant expansion projects include silos more than ten times the number of ICBM silos in operation of PLARF today.{{Cite web|title=China Is Building A Second Nuclear Missile Silo Field|url=https://fas.org/blogs/security/2021/07/china-is-building-a-second-nuclear-missile-silo-field/|access-date=2021-08-21|website=Federation Of American Scientists|language=en-US|archive-date=2023-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126080109/https://fas.org/blogs/security/2021/07/china-is-building-a-second-nuclear-missile-silo-field/|url-status=live}}

In July 2021, China tested globe-circling hypersonic missile including the unprecedented launch of a separate 2nd missile from the ultra-high-speed vehicle according to the Financial Times and Wall Street Journal. The test showed China's development of its strategic, nuclear-capable weapons as more advanced than any had thought, surprising Pentagon officials, the two newspapers said. Neither the United States nor Russia has demonstrated the same ability, which requires launching a missile from a parent vehicle traveling five times the speed of sound. According to reporting by the Financial Times, this weapons system consists of two parts: a fractional orbital bombardment system (FOBS) and a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV).{{Cite web|title=what-about-chinas-hypersonic-missile|access-date=2021-10-16|website=|url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/china-tests-orbital-hypersonic-weapon/|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-10-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022175915/https://missilethreat.csis.org/china-tests-orbital-hypersonic-weapon/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=China's game-changing hypersonic technology|first1=Joanna S |last1=Kao|first2=Colby|last2=Smith|first3=Demetri|last3=Sevastopulo|url=https://www.ft.com/content/e83a0e51-9195-4c95-8f0b-263f97794302|publisher=Financial Times|date=22 November 2021|access-date=22 November 2021|archive-date=23 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123093912/https://www.ft.com/content/e83a0e51-9195-4c95-8f0b-263f97794302|url-status=live}}

In July 2023, South China Morning Post reported that PLARF commander Li Yuchao and deputy commander Liu Guangbin were under the investigation by the CMC Commission for Discipline Inspection. Later that month, both Li Yuchao and Liu Guangbin were officially removed from their posts, while Wang Houbin was appointed as the commander of the PLARF.{{Cite news |last=Chan |first=Minnie |date=31 July 2023 |title=China names General Wang Houbin as new PLA Rocket Force chief after former commanders snared in corruption scandal |work=South China Morning Post |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3229515/china-unveils-new-pla-rocket-force-leadership-after-former-commanders-snared-corruption-scandal |access-date=31 July 2023 |archive-date=21 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821105027/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3229515/china-unveils-new-pla-rocket-force-leadership-after-former-commanders-snared-corruption-scandal |url-status=live }} Additionally, Xu Xisheng was appointed as the political commissar.{{Cite news |last=Buckley |first=Chris |date=2023-08-02 |title=Xi's Surprise Shake-Up Exposes Problems at Top of China's Nuclear Force |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/02/world/asia/china-nuclear-shakeup.html |access-date=2023-08-02 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=2023-08-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802101950/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/02/world/asia/china-nuclear-shakeup.html |url-status=live }} Li Yuchao and Liu Guangbin's expulsion has not been formally explained. There are rumors that they are being investigated for corruption or disclosing military secrets.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-28 |title=Chinese anti-corruption probe targets top PLA Rocket Force generals: sources |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3229150/chinese-anti-corruption-investigators-target-top-rocket-force-generals-sources-say |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en |archive-date=2023-11-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107081530/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3229150/chinese-anti-corruption-investigators-target-top-rocket-force-generals-sources-say |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=2023-04-11 |title=What punishment could Pentagon files leaker face? |first1=Bernd|last1=Debusmann Jr|language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65242243 |access-date=2023-10-25 |archive-date=2023-10-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025233040/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65242243 |url-status=live }} Furthermore, it was thought to be an odd decision to replace the Rocket Force commander with military personnel from outside the branch, and this led to concerns about the security, credibility, and integrity of the PLA as well as its participation in China's military tactics during the Taiwan Strait conflict.{{Cite web |last=Chang |first=Brad Lendon,Simone McCarthy,Wayne |date=2023-08-02 |title=China replaces elite nuclear leadership in surprise military shake-up |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/02/china/china-pla-rocket-force-shakeup-new-leaders-intl-hnk-ml-mic/index.html |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=2023-10-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025233123/https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/02/china/china-pla-rocket-force-shakeup-new-leaders-intl-hnk-ml-mic/index.html |url-status=live }}

On 25 September 2024 at 00:44 UTC, the PLARF performed its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test over the Pacific Ocean since the early 1980s. The specific ICBM that was launched was not stated.{{Cite news |last=Davidson |first=Helen |date=2024-09-25 |title=China test launches intercontinental ballistic missile for first time in decades |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/25/china-missile-test-icbm-pla-rocket-force |access-date=2024-09-25 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite web |last=Gan |first=Nectar |date=2023-08-02 |title=China fires ICBM into Pacific Ocean in first such public test in decades as regional tensions flare |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/25/asia/china-icbm-test-pacific-ocean-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=2024-09-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925194520/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/25/asia/china-icbm-test-pacific-ocean-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live }}

File:PRC Conventional Strike Ranges 2022.png|Chinese Conventional Strike Ranges as of 2022

File:China Nuclear Ballistic Missile Ranges.png|Chinese Nuclear Ballistic Missile Strike Ranges as of 2022

{{PLAGF Officer}}

{{PLAGF Other}}

The Special Operations Regiment has been seen using bow and arrows along with QBZ-95 rifles and QBU-88 sniper rifles.{{Cite web |last1=Xu |first1=Xingxing |last2=Lü |first2=Tongqiao |last3=Wang |first3=Cong |date=2025-03-18 |editor-last=Wang |editor-first=Yun |title=磨出鋒利的刀刃！火箭軍某部警衛特戰化訓練打造"磨刀石" |url=http://www.81.cn/hjj_208561/jdt_208562/16375498.html |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=Chinese Military}}{{Cite web |last1=Yang |first1=Yonggang |last2=Zhang |first2=Wenping |last3=Wang |first3=Wei |date=2014-09-24 |editor-last=Song |editor-first=Kaiguo |title=第二炮兵"利刃"特种部队训练酷图 |url=http://www.81.cn/depb/2014-09/24/content_5909018.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250330144404/http://www.81.cn/depb/2014-09/24/content_5909018.htm |archive-date=2025-03-30 |access-date=2025-03-30 |website=Chinese Military}}

The QBZ-03 has also been used by the PLARF.{{Cite web |date=2018-09-17 |title=95步枪究竟是强是弱？轻武器专家为你客观解读95式 |url=https://imil.ifeng.com/60069765/news.shtml?&back |website=Phoenix Television}}

{{Further|Dongfeng (missile)}}As of at least 2024, China has the largest land-based missile arsenal in the world.{{Cite book |last=Li |first=Xiaobing |title=China under Xi Jinping: A New Assessment |publisher=Leiden University Press |year=2024 |isbn=9789087284411 |editor-last=Fang |editor-first=Qiang |pages=264 |chapter=Beijing's Military Power and East Asian-Pacific Hot Spots |editor-last2=Li |editor-first2=Xiaobing}}

• DF-3A, CSS-2 (IRBM) – In service from 1971 to 2014

• TA580/TAS5380
• TA5450/TAS5450
• HTF5680A1
• WS2300
• WS2400
• WS2500
• WS2600

• Hanyang HY4260
• Hanyang HY4330

The PLARF is directly subordinated to the CMC.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=2}} and headquartered in Beijing.{{sfn|Kristensen|Korda|Johns|Knight|2025|p=145}} It is organized into six operational bases and three support bases; these are corps leader or corps deputy grade units.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=2}}

The operational bases cover geographical areas, and their ordnance mix reflects their location and mission.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=2}} They are similarly structured with six to eight missile brigrades, support regiments, and at least one hospital. Base equipment inspection regiments are responsible for storing nuclear warheads.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=4}}

Bases have peacetime administrative control of nuclear forces. In wartime, the CMC has direct control over nuclear forces. Control over conventional forces is unclear; in 2022, there was evidence of continuing integration with theater commands.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=2}}

The Military Unit Cover Designators (MUCD) from the April 2017 system for PLARF units are 5-digit numbers starting with "96" with the remaining digits organization details. MCUD's starting with "961" or "965" are from the pre-2017 MUCD system.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=6}}

PLARF headquarters has four administrative departments: Staff Department, Political Work Department, Equipment Department, and Logistics Department.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=10}}

Wang Houbin became PLARF commander in July 2023, Xu Xisheng was the political commissar in 2022.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=9}}

{{Ill|People's Liberation Army Rocket Force Base 61|lt=Base 61|zh|中国人民解放军火箭军第六十一基地}} (第六十一基地), MUCD Unit 96601{{Cite journal |title=Making Sense of China's Missile Forces |url=https://ndupress.ndu.edu/Portals/68/Documents/Books/Chairman-Xi/Chairman-Xi_Chapter-11.pdf?ver=2019-02-08-112005-803 |journal=National Defense University |pages=12-13}} is an operational base covering eastern and some of southeastern China with headquarters in Huangshan, Anhui. It was created in 1965.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=57}}

Base 61 includes a brigade for testing its large short-ranged conventional missile inventory and an unmanned aerial vehicle regiment for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=57}}

{{Ill|People's Liberation Army Rocket Force Base 62|lt=Base 62|zh|中国人民解放军火箭军第六十二基地}} (第六十二基地), MUCD Unit 96602 is an operational base covering most of southeastern China with headquarters in Kunming, Yunnan. It was created in 1966.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=83}}

{{Ill|People's Liberation Army Rocket Force Base 63|lt=Base 63|zh|中国人民解放军火箭军第六十三基地}} (第六十三基地), MUCD Unit 96603 is an operational base covering southern inland China with headquarters in Huaihua, Hunan.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=102}}

Base 63 includes a regiment responsible for fueling liquid-fuelled missiles.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=102}}

{{Ill|People's Liberation Army Rocket Force Base 64|lt=Base 64|zh|中国人民解放军火箭军第六十四基地}} (第六十四基地), MUCD Unit 96604 is an operational base covering northwest and north-central China with headquarters in Lanzhou, Gansu.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=120}}

Base 64 has an equipment inspection brigade instead of a regiment.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=4}}

{{Ill|People's Liberation Army Rocket Force Base 65|lt=Base 65|zh|中国人民解放军火箭军第六十五基地}} (第六十五基地), MUCD Unit 96605 is an operational base covering eastern and northeastern China with headquarters in Shenyang, Liaoning.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=140}} It was formerly Base 51.{{sfn|Saunders et al.|2019|p=412}}

{{Ill|People's Liberation Army Rocket Force Base 66|lt=Base 66|zh|中国人民解放军火箭军第六十六基地}} (第六十六基地), MUCD Unit 96606 is an operational base covering central China with headquarters in Luoyang, Henan. It was established in 1966.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=158}}

{{Ill|People's Liberation Army Rocket Force Base 67|lt=Base 67|zh|中国人民解放军火箭军第六十七基地}} (第六十七基地) is a support base headquartered in Baoji, Shaanxi,{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=176}} responsible for the storage, maintenance and distribution of China's nuclear weapons.{{sfn|Stokes|2010|p=3}} Base 67 was created in 1958 as Unit 0674 in Haiyan County, Qinghai. It was transferred to the Commission for Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense in 1969 and moved to Shaanxi, and then to the Second Artillery Corps in 1980. It was known as Base 22 until 2017.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=176}}

Base 67 includes the subterranean{{sfn|Stokes|2010|p=4}} nuclear weapons storage complex in Taibai County in the Qin Mountains.{{sfn|Stokes|2010|p=3}}{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=176}} Preparations to move the nuclear weapons storage facility to Taibai began in 1969.{{sfn|Stokes|2010|p=4}} In 2010, relatively few warheads were maintained at operational base-level for extended durations. The distribution of warheads is reliant on the country's transportation network.{{sfn|Stokes|2010|p=8}} The construction of the Baoji–Chengdu railway by the PLA in the 1960s may have been to support warhead distribution.{{sfn|Stokes|2010|p=4}} A derailment inside a tunnel during the 2008 Sichuan earthquake shutdown the Baoji–Chengdu railway for 12 days. In another incident, a Second Artillery Corps crane was used to clear a multiple-vehicle collision caused by icy roads in the Qin Mountains.{{sfn|Stokes|2010|p=8}}

The Missile Technical Service Brigade is the main unit overseeing the Taibai facility.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=178}} Its main focus seems to be warhead storage and maintenance.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=179}} It is complemented by the brigade-sized Unit 96038 which seems focused on inspection and testing of certain warhead components.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=179}} Unit 96038 includes a security battalion with the 38-member "Sharp Blade" Special Operations Team for site defense and the "Guardian Spirits of the Restricted Zone" Security Company.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=181}} The "Sharp Blade" unit also performs nuclear missile escort, warhead security and offensive tasks.{{Cite web |date=2019-09-02 |title="利刃"掌"长剑" 承担战略反击任务 |url=https://www.takungpao.com/news/232108/2019/0902/343983.html |website=Ta Kung Pao}}

{{Ill|People's Liberation Army Rocket Force Base 68|lt=Base 68|zh|中国人民解放军火箭军第六十八基地}} (第六十八基地) is an engineering support base responsible for constructing physical infrastructure headquartered in Luoyang, Henan.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=194}}

Base 68 was created as the PLARF Engineering Base in 2012 from the Engineering Technical Zongdui (ETZ);{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=194}} ETZ was created in 1962 to handle installation of test platforms for nuclear

weapon and satellite tests.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=196}} It was combined with 308th Engineering Command in 2017 to create Base 68.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=194}}

Base 68 contains six engineering brigades plus support regiments.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=196}}

{{Ill|People's Liberation Army Rocket Force Base 69|lt=Base 69|zh|中国人民解放军火箭军第六十九基地}} (第六十九基地) is a training support base created in 2017 headquartered in Yinchuan. It has four Test and Training Districts and various independent test and training regiments.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=215}}

The 1st Test and Training District provides training in desert environments, and provides measurement and control support for missile tests.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=217}} The 2nd Test and Training District hosts a opposing force (OPFOR) regiment for PLARF training.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=218}} The 3rd Test and Training District provides training in plateau operations, hosts the PLARF's electronic warfare OPFOR unit, and supports the Gobi Desert test range.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=219}} The 4th Test and Training District provides cruise missile and rail transport training.{{sfn|Xiu|2022|p=221}}

The PLARF has operated a separate command and control structure from the rest of the PLA since 1967.{{Cite web|title=NUCLEAR COMMAND, CONTROL, AND COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA|url=https://nautilus.org/napsnet/napsnet-special-reports/nuclear-command-control-and-communications-systems-of-the-peoples-republic-of-china/|date=2019-07-18|website=Nautilus Institute for Security and Sustainability|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-12|archive-date=2020-06-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613233734/https://nautilus.org/napsnet/napsnet-special-reports/nuclear-command-control-and-communications-systems-of-the-peoples-republic-of-china/|url-status=live}} The goal of the system is to ensure tight control of nuclear warheads at the highest levels of government. This is done by the Central Military Commission having direct control of the PLARF, outside of the structure of military regions.{{cn|date=June 2025}}

The PLARF Golden Wheel Project (Chinese Wikipedia: 金轮工程) co-operates the DF-3 and DF-21 medium-range ballistic missiles in Saudi Arabia since the establishment of Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Force in 1984.{{Cite web |last=Lewis |first=Jeffrey |date=2014-01-30 |title=Why Did Saudi Arabia Buy Chinese Missiles? |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2014/01/30/why-did-saudi-arabia-buy-chinese-missiles/ |access-date=2023-06-03 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US |archive-date=2017-09-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913185022/https://foreignpolicy.com/2014/01/30/why-did-saudi-arabia-buy-chinese-missiles/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Stein |first=Jeff |date=2014-01-29 |title=CIA Helped Saudis in Secret Chinese Missile Deal |url=https://www.newsweek.com/exclusive-cia-helped-saudis-chinese-missile-deal-227283 |access-date=2023-06-03 |website=Newsweek |language=en |archive-date=2016-06-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604044151/http://www.newsweek.com/exclusive-cia-helped-saudis-chinese-missile-deal-227283 |url-status=live }}

{{Portal|China}}

• Dongfeng (missile)
• Nuclear triad
• List of states with nuclear weapons
• Qian Xuesen (also known as Tsien Hsue-shen)

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{refbegin}}

• {{Country study|date=|country=China|abbr=cn}}
• {{Cite book |author=The International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2024 |date=13 February 2024 |publisher=Routledge |location=London |isbn=978-1-032-78004-7 |ref={{sfnref|The Military Balance|2024}}}}
• {{Cite journal |last1=Kristensen |first1=Hans M. |last2=Korda |first2=Matt |last3=Johns |first3=Eliana |last4=Knight |first4=Mackenzie |date=2025-03-12 |title=FAS Nuclear Notebook: Chinese nuclear weapons, 2025 |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.1080/00963402.2025.2467011 |journal=Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists |language=en-US |publisher=Federation of American Scientists |volume=81 |issue=2 |pages=135–160 |doi=10.1080/00963402.2025.2467011 |access-date=2025-03-13|url-access=subscription }}
• {{Cite book |url=https://media.defense.gov/2024/Dec/18/2003615520/-1/-1/0/MILITARY-AND-SECURITY-DEVELOPMENTS-INVOLVING-THE-PEOPLES-REPUBLIC-OF-CHINA-2024.PDF |title=Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China |publisher=United States Department of Defense |year=2024 |location=Arlington, VA |ref={{sfnref|China Military Power Report|2024}}}}
• {{cite book |editor1-last=Saunders |editor1-first=Phillip C. |editor2-last=Ding |editor2-first=Arthur S. |editor3-last=Scobell |editor3-first=Andrew |editor4-last=Yang |editor4-first=Andrew N.D. |editor5-last=Joel |editor5-first=Wuthnow |url=https://ndupress.ndu.edu/Publications/Books/Chairman-Xi-Remakes-the-PLA/ |title=Chairman Xi Remakes the PLA: Assessing Chinese Military Reforms |date=2019 |publisher=National Defense University Press |isbn=978-1070233420 |location=Washington, D.C. |ref={{harvid|Saunders et al.|2019}}}}
• {{cite report |last1=Sayler |first1=Kelley M. |date=1 November 2024 |title=Defense Primer: Hypersonic Boost-Glide Weapons |url=https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF11459 |publisher=Congressional Research Service |id=IF11459}}
• {{cite web |last=Stokes |first=Mark |date=March 12, 2010 |title=China's Nuclear Warhead Storage and Handling System |url=https://project2049.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/chinas_nuclear_warhead_storage_and_handling_system.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112110144/https://project2049.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/chinas_nuclear_warhead_storage_and_handling_system.pdf |archive-date=January 12, 2020 |website=Project 2049 Institute}}
• {{Cite report |last=Xiu |first=Ma |date=24 October 2022 |url=https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Portals/10/CASI/documents/Research/PLARF/2022-10-24%20PLARF%20Organization.pdf |title=PLA Rocket Force Organization |publisher=China Aerospace Studies Institute |access-date=2022-10-30 |archive-date=2022-10-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024133250/https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Portals/10/CASI/documents/Research/PLARF/2022-10-24%20PLARF%20Organization.pdf |url-status=live }}

{{refend}}

{{Commons category|Chinese People's Liberation Army Rocket Force}}

• [http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/ARMEDFORCES/RocketForce/index.html Official homepage]

• Everleth, Decker, [https://nonproliferation.org/peoples-liberation-army-rocket-force-order-of-battle-2023/ "People's Liberation Army Rocket Force Order of Battle 2023]," Middlebury Institute of International Stuides at Monterey. "At time of publication, it is estimated that the PLARF has 162 to 216 SRBM launchers, 87 to 96 MRBM launchers, 78 to 96 GLCM launchers, 216 IRBM launchers, and 110 ICBM launchers within its active force. By 2028 this force will grow to at least 108 to 144 SRBM launchers, at least 156 to 192 MRBM launchers, at least 78 to 96 or more GLCM launchers, at least 252 IRBM launchers, and 507 or more ICBM launchers. It is worth emphasizing that everything in the current estimate is counting something that the PRC has already built or is in the process of building." (p38)
• Federation of American Scientists et al. (2006): [https://fas.org/nuke/guide/china/Book2006.pdf Chinese Nuclear Forces and U.S. Nuclear War Planning]
• [https://fas.org/nuke/guide/china/ China Nuclear Forces Guide] Federation of American Scientists
• Enrico Fels (February 2008): [https://web.archive.org/web/20080410131505/http://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/oaw/poa/pdf/TEAS20.pdf Will the Eagle strangle the Dragon? An Assessment of the U.S. Challenges towards China's Nuclear Deterrence], Trends East Asia Analysis No. 20.

{{Clear}}

{{People's Liberation Army}}

{{Chinese Missiles}}

{{Strategic forces}}

4

Category:Strategic forces

Category:Theater Command grade units of the Armed Forces of China