Satellite images show China has built mock-ups of U.S. warships in its northwestern desert, possibly to practice for a future naval clash.
China is massively upgrading its military, and its capability and intentions are increasingly concerning to the United States.
The images captured by Maxar Technologies show the outlines of a U.S. aircraft carrier and a destroyer at a desert location in Xinjiang. Reuters reports that the model ship is built on a rail system to simulate a moving vessel.
The independent U.S. Naval Institute says the mock-ups are part of a new target range.
Reuters also reports that while conducting such tests in the desert would not accurately simulate a true naval target, it's helped keep its training program secure and away from prying eyes.
China has emphasized countering other naval forces in building up its military and has concentrated its vessels in the South China Sea.
The U.S. Navy remains predominant, but its ships are spread across several regions where U.S. interests lie.