China builds missile target models in shape of US warships

China US Military — This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows a building on rail tracks in Ruoqiang county, China, Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021. Satellite images appear to show China has built mock-ups of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and destroyers in its northwestern desert, such as one at center in this image, possibly as practice for a future naval clash as tensions rise between the nations. (Maxar Technologies via AP)

Satellite images show that the Chinese military has built scale models of U.S. aircraft carriers and warships for ballistic missile testing in the country’s northwest desert.

The models are an exact outline of the kinds of ships the United States uses in the South China Sea. Satellites picked up at least one clear image of an aircraft carrier and two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, according to pictures from satellite imaging company Maxar acquired by the U.S. Naval Institute.