Recent satellite imagery and investigative reports have revealed the existence of a secret Chinese military base in Tajikistan. The development is particularly significant given the base’s location near Tajikistan’s border with Afghanistan, a region of strategic importance for Beijing due to its proximity to volatile areas under Taliban control. The base’s construction marks a notable expansion of China’s military footprint in Central Asia, a move that has sparked concerns among regional and global powers about Beijing’s intentions and the wider implications for regional security dynamics.

Situated in a remote and mountainous region of Tajikistan, China’s military base features lookout towers and facilities designed to support joint military operations between Chinese and Tajik forces. Construction of the base began in 2016; it gradually was expanded over the years, with the project criteria gradually evolving from “military outpost” to “military base”. Despite substantial evidence, both the Chinese and Tajik governments have publicly downplayed the base’s existence, maintaining a narrative that China is neither developing military infrastructure in Tajikistan nor permanently stationing PLA units in the country.