China showcased its growing military capabilities, including nuclear-capable missiles for submarines and aircraft, during a recent parade, signaling advancements in its arsenal and prompting increased scrutiny from international observers. The display comes as China continues to modernize its military, estimated to possess around 600 nuclear warheads, according to the Federation of American Scientists, and has been upgrading the delivery systems for those weapons.
This presentation of force is especially relevant given escalating geopolitical tensions and concerns about China’s intentions in the region. The modernization efforts,including the construction of missile silo fields and upgrades to existing systems,raise questions about transparency and strategic stability,impacting global security dynamics and prompting ongoing assessments from the U.S. military and international think tanks.
The parade featured the DF-31BJ intercontinental ballistic missile, which experts believe will be deployed in newly constructed missile silo fields in China’s northern deserts. U.S.military assessments, as highlighted in a Senate hearing, suggest the missile is intended for installation in at least some of the approximately 320 silos built in these fields.
Recent reports from the Federation of American Scientists indicate that roughly 10 silos in each of the three fields may already be loaded with missiles. However, the Chinese government has remained largely silent regarding the purpose and operational status of these silo fields.”For now, parading the DF-31BJ is likely the closest we’ll come to China acknowledging new silos,” said Mr. Panda, an expert following China’s military developments.The display serves as a visible confirmation of the country’s progress in expanding its nuclear capabilities and its willingness to demonstrate that advancement on the world stage.
The showcased advancements extend beyond land-based missiles to include upgrades to submarines and bombers capable of carrying nuclear warheads, further diversifying china’s nuclear triad. Photo by Tingshu Wang/Reuters.