China’s Missile Capabilities Pose Escalating Threat to Taiwan and Beyond: A Deep Dive
Washington D.C. – The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is rapidly modernizing its missile arsenal, presenting an increasingly refined and concerning threat to Taiwan, the Frist and Second Island Chains, and even the continental United States. Recent testimony before the U.S. Senate Appropriations committee’s Defense Group reveals the scale of China’s build-up, with a focus on “kill webs” designed to neutralize U.S. and allied forces [[3]].Key Findings:
Taiwan Focus: The PLA possesses over 900 short-range ballistic missiles capable of striking Taiwan [[3]].
Expanded Reach: 400 land-based cruise missiles can cover the first Island Chain, while 1,300 medium-range ballistic missiles extend reach to the Second Island Chain [[3]].
Continental Threat: 500 medium-range ballistic missiles can reach Alaska and parts of Australia, and over 400 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) are capable of delivering nuclear weapons globally [[3]].
hypersonic Advancements: The deployment of the Dongfeng-17, a medium-range ballistic missile equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle, is a game-changer, potentially replacing older systems and targeting key military assets in the western Pacific [[3]].* “Kill Web” Concerns: U.S. Space Force officials are particularly alarmed by China’s “kill web” – an integrated network of surveillance, tracking, and targeting systems designed to disrupt and neutralize U.S. joint combat forces