Deployment of Hypersonic Ballistic Missiles Targeting China and Taiwan

Chinese Military Deploys Mach 10 Speed 'Dongfeng-17' to Southeast Coast
Stealth Fighter 'J-20' Brigade Also Deployed

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] The Chinese People's Liberation Army is deploying the hypersonic ballistic missile 'Dongfeng (東風ㆍDF)-17' at a southeastern coastal base, the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on the 18th.

SCMP, citing sources, reported that the Chinese military is strengthening the military power of missile bases by replacing the Dongfeng-11 and Dongfeng-15 previously deployed at the southeastern coastal military base with the Dongfeng-17.

The Chinese military developed the hypersonic ballistic missile in 2016 and first revealed it at the National Day military parade last year. Its maximum range is 2,500 km, and its flight speed is known to exceed Mach 10.

Since the inauguration of pro-independence President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016, the Chinese military has expanded missile deployments at military bases in Zhejiang Province and Fujian Province.

Andrei Chang, editor-in-chief of Kanwa Defense Review, a Chinese military specialized publication published in Canada, said, "All rocket missile brigades in Fujian Province and Guangdong Province are fully armed." He added, "Some missile bases in the Southern Theater Command and Eastern Theater Command have more than doubled in size in recent years, indicating that the People's Liberation Army is strengthening war preparations aimed at Taiwan."

Editor Chang specifically revealed that a base in Puning City, Guangdong Province, has deployed new ballistic missiles.

Although he refused to disclose the type of missile due to its sensitive nature, he explained, "The Puning missile base must carry out missions to attack Taiwan, but the Dongfeng-11 or Dongfeng-15 have short ranges."

Editor Chang also said that the People's Liberation Army has established the Russian-made S-400 air defense missile system, which can immediately block any attack from the Taiwanese Air Force.

SCMP also reported that the Chinese military has deployed an air force brigade equipped with the stealth fighter J-20 at the southeastern coastal base.

A former Chinese military general said, "Until today, the possibility of peaceful unification is slim," and added, "Recent Chinese military training is unprecedented."