China builds 3D replica of US warship in the middle of the desert

China has quielty built a full 3D replica of a US Navy destroyer in the middle of the Taklamakan Desert — as experts have ominously warned Beijing uses such models to conduct military tests.

Satellite images captured a model of what appeared to be a US Arleigh Burke-class destroyer in the desert where Beijing has previously constructed mockups of American warships, according to images from the US-based satellite imaging company Vantor.

The fake ship measured around 510 feet long and appeared fitted with the same type of helicopter launch system, bridge and deck guns that American destroyers carry.

Joseph Wu, co-founder of the Taiwan Defense Studies Initiative, was the first to identify the project last month.

This is not the first time China has been spotted crafting fake US navy warships and aircraft carriers in the Taklamakan Desert, part of China’s notorious Xinjiang province.

Back in 2021, satellites captured images of Beijing assembling advanced mockups of an aircraft carrier and at least two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.

Experts have warned that the practice is to allow China to conduct tests on America’s naval fleet and see how the ships would fare against attacks from Beijing’s missiles.

Chinese officials have remained silent on the replicas in the desert.

The People Liberation Army has also reportedly built scale models of Taiwan’s government buildings for military practice — as annexing the autonomous country remains a top priority for Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Such a move would likely place China and the US in direct conflict as America has repeatedly warned Beijing from invading Taiwan.