North Korea builds long-range ballistic missile base near China 

North Korea’s newest military base close to the border with China is thought to house intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), reported a Washington think tank. 

Using satellite images, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) found the base that is located in Hwapyong-gun, about 25 km (15 miles) from the border with China and 380 km from Pyongyang, according to a report published by the center on January 21. 

"The Hoejung-ni missile operating base will, according to informed sources, likely house a regiment-sized unit equipped with intercontinental ballistic missiles," the report said.

"Should operational ICBMs not become available in the near term, it is likely that intermediate range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) will be deployed," the report added. 

CSIS claims that the location of the base was chosen to deter pre-emptive strikes from the U.S. and China. 

“The position near the Chinese border acts as a potential deterrent to a pre-emptive strike that might impinge on Chinese security equities,” said Victor Cha, senior vice president and North Korea expert at the CSIS.

North Korea has around 20 ballistic missile bases that have never been officially declared. Heojung-ni is the latest base to be completed, although construction started almost 20 years ago. 

“The fact that construction of it began so long ago suggests not only significant resource constraints but also a considerable level of development planning that is rarely appreciated by outside experts and was likely linked to projected ICBM developments and basing needs,” said the report.

The report comes as North Korea has increased the testing of missiles. In January, Kim Jong-un, the country’s ruler, launched 11 missiles, including intermediate ballistic missiles, reported The New York Times.