North Korea secret missile base near China raises security concerns

Thursday 21 August 2025 - 16:55

By: Sahili Aya

North Korea secret missile base near China raises security concerns

North Korea has reportedly constructed a secret military base near its border with China, potentially housing some of Pyongyang’s latest long-range ballistic missiles, according to a new report by the Washington-based thinktank, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

The undeclared Sinpung-dong missile operating base is located about 27 kilometers from the Chinese border in North Pyongan province. Analysts estimate the facility may hold six to nine nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and their launchers, posing a potential nuclear threat to East Asia and the continental United States.

CSIS described this base as one of 15–20 missile-related facilities in North Korea that have never been disclosed. These include missile storage, maintenance, and warhead facilities, none of which have been part of previous denuclearization negotiations with the United States.

The report also noted that in times of crisis, the launchers and missiles could be relocated and connected with special units to conduct more covert operations from other locations. Experts view the Sinpung-dong base as a key component of North Korea’s evolving ballistic missile strategy and its growing nuclear deterrence capabilities.

Since the collapse of the 2019 Hanoi summit between North Korea and the United States, Pyongyang has emphasized the rapid expansion of its nuclear program. The country has also strengthened ties with Russia, providing military support in exchange for technological assistance, including in space and satellite systems, which share technology with ICBMs.