China urged to build underground great wall of defence in crisis-hit world

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Alyssa ChenMarch 8, 2026 at 09:00 AM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

Chinese energy experts are urging the construction of a vast underground network in western China to safeguard critical energy and defense infrastructure. Zhang Shishu, from Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina), proposed embedding key facilities deep underground to protect them from potential attacks and enhance national security. The proposal suggests relocating strategic sites like southwestern hydropower hubs and northwestern oil and gas fields to subterranean facilities for storing resources. This initiative, outlined in an article published in February, aims to reinforce national defense and border security by concealing strategic tunnels with backup systems. The move is driven by China's desire to establish strategic reserves and backups for key industries in interior regions, strengthening resilience amid growing geopolitical tensions.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Beijing 50% Yunnan 50% Sichuan 50% Chinese Academy of Sciences 60% Baihetan hydropower station 60% United States 70% Zhang Shishu ×380% Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina) ×390% China ×3100%

Keywords

underground infrastructure 90% national security 80% china 80% crisis resilience 70% energy security 70% strategic reserves 60% national defence 60% strategic tunnels 50% power construction corporation of china 50% geopolitics 40%