China Monitors US Military Capabilities Following Iran Nuclear Site Strike

Beijing is assessing the implications of a U.S. Military operation targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, with concerns raised about the vulnerability of its own underground nuclear infrastructure. The operation, dubbed “Midnight Hammer,” involved long-range precision strikes against key Iranian nuclear sites, prompting China to re-evaluate its defense strategies and capabilities.

U.S. Strike on Iranian Nuclear Facilities

In June 2026, the United States conducted a military operation, “Midnight Hammer,” targeting three primary Iranian nuclear facilities located at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan . The attack utilized B-2 bombers and Tomahawk cruise missiles, employing GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs to inflict significant damage .

China’s Response and Concerns

Despite close economic and strategic ties with Iran, China’s official response to the U.S. Strike was relatively muted. Still, Chinese state media expressed anxieties about the potential vulnerability of its own underground nuclear facilities to similar attacks . This has led to discussions within Chinese defense circles regarding the need to enhance both long-range strike capabilities and defensive measures.

Implications for China’s Nuclear Deterrent

The success of the U.S. Operation has raised concerns among Chinese strategists about the security of China’s nuclear deterrent. China’s nuclear facilities are largely concealed within an extensive network of underground tunnels and bunkers, often referred to as the “Great Underground Wall,” which spans approximately 3,000 miles . The Pentagon has acknowledged the expansion and modernization of these underground facilities, highlighting their importance for protecting assets and concealing military operations .

Modernization Efforts

Following the strike, China Central Television interviewed a PLA engineering professor who emphasized the need for advanced defenses to safeguard China’s underground nuclear infrastructure . China is also reportedly working to develop capabilities comparable to the U.S.’s precision-guided bunker-buster bombs, which it currently lacks . Concerns are also growing regarding the U.S.’s pursuit of advanced strategic missile defense systems, such as the “Golden Dome,” and its nuclear modernization programs .

Official Stance

Whereas expressing concerns internally, the Chinese government publicly denounced the U.S. Strikes on Iran as a “dangerous display of hegemony” and a reckless use of military power .