<p>Beijing has constructed a striking mockup of an American Arleigh Burke–class destroyer. Analysts say the replica, built in the remote desert of Xinjiang, helps China refine hypersonic missile targeting and signals its relentless preparation for conflict, especially over Taiwan. CNN’s Will Ripley reports.</p>

China builds full-scale US warship replica in desert

Beijing has constructed a striking mockup of an American Arleigh Burke–class destroyer. Analysts say the replica, built in the remote desert of Xinjiang, helps China refine hypersonic missile targeting and signals its relentless preparation for conflict, especially over Taiwan. CNN’s Will Ripley reports.

3:24 • Source: CNN

World News 11 videos

<p>Beijing has constructed a striking mockup of an American Arleigh Burke–class destroyer. Analysts say the replica, built in the remote desert of Xinjiang, helps China refine hypersonic missile targeting and signals its relentless preparation for conflict, especially over Taiwan. CNN’s Will Ripley reports.</p>

China builds full-scale US warship replica in desert

03:24

Now playing

• Source: CNN

china landslide digvid.jpg

Dashcam captures moment of deadly landslide in China

00:55

Now playing

• Source: CNN

Vatican Observatory.jpg

CNN gets inside look at Vatican Observatory

02:49

Now playing

• Source: CNN

Dig Vid Thumbnail 1.jpg

This London bar banned 6 footers from a singles night

02:00

Now playing

• Source: CNN

thumb.png

The Odds: The ultimate soccer ticket

02:31

Now playing

• Source: CNN

Screenshot 2026-07-16 at 2.31.33 PM.png

Iran warns Strait of Hormuz is an ‘unbreakable red line’ as US expands strikes

06:28

Now playing

• Source: CNN

thumbnail hunger strike india 1.jpg

Two weeks of hunger in protest of India's exam system

02:12

Now playing

• Source: CNN

16x9_vid.00_00_00_00.Still001.jpg

American detained in China for more than 600 Days

02:14

Now playing

• Source: CNN

16x9_vid.00_00_30_11.Still001.jpg

Beijing cracks down on AI companions

01:28

Now playing

• Source: CNN

trump hormuz.jpg

Trump rescinds toll plan for ships in Strait of Hormuz

01:10

Now playing

• Source: CNN

22801010 - planes seine water 16x9.00_00_35_04.Still001.jpg

Planes scoop water from River Seine to fight wildfires

00:47

Now playing

• Source: CNN