Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the strategic importance of ten inland cities in China during potential military conflicts, emphasizing their roles in sustaining the country's defense and industrial capabilities amidst global tensions [1][3]. Group 1: Strategic Cities - The ten cities identified as crucial for national defense are Luoyang, Xuzhou, Wuhan, Chongqing, Chengdu, Xi'an, Lanzhou, Taiyuan, Shenyang, and Anshan [5][14]. - These cities serve as transportation hubs, industrial centers, or natural military strongholds, making them vital for logistics and resource allocation in times of conflict [5][12]. Group 2: City-Specific Importance - **Luoyang**: Located in the central plains, it is a key junction for military logistics due to its connectivity via major railways [5][7]. - **Xuzhou**: Acts as a crossroads for north-south transportation, historically significant in military campaigns [5][7]. - **Wuhan**: Known as the "thoroughfare of nine provinces," it is an industrial heartland with extensive transportation networks [7][9]. - **Chongqing**: A mountainous city that is difficult to attack, historically significant as a military base during the Anti-Japanese War [9][11]. - **Chengdu**: Rich in resources and strategically located, it is a major base for aviation and electronics industries [11][12]. - **Xi'an**: A critical node for the Belt and Road Initiative, it plays a significant role in aerospace and military industries [11][12]. - **Lanzhou**: Serves as a military command center and industrial base, controlling access to the northwest [12][13]. - **Taiyuan**: An energy and heavy industry hub, its coal resources are essential for national power supply [13][14]. - **Shenyang**: Known for its heavy industry, particularly aircraft manufacturing, it is crucial for military production [13][14]. - **Anshan**: Historically significant for steel production, it was once responsible for half of China's steel output [13][14].