China Unveils Full Array of Advanced Weapons with Global Strike Capability at Military Parade

DF-5C Intercontinental Strategic Nuclear Missile Unveiled
Hypersonic "Carrier Killer" YJ-21 Also Makes Appearance

On September 3 (local time), China showcased a large array of advanced weaponry, including nuclear and hypersonic missiles and next-generation stealth aircraft, at the military parade marking the 80th anniversary of Victory Day.

AP Yonhap News

At the "80th Anniversary Parade of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War (Victory Day)" held at Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China unveiled the Dongfeng (DF)-5C, a nuclear-armed missile with a global strike range. The DF-5C, believed to be an upgraded version of the existing DF-5B intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), is a liquid-fueled intercontinental strategic nuclear missile. In this regard, Xinhua News Agency stated, "As an important part of China's strategic counterstrike system, its strike range covers the entire world."

The DF-26D, an upgraded version of the so-called "Guam Killer" DF-26, also made its appearance. The DF-26D has a maximum range of about 5,000 kilometers, allowing it to reach as far as Guam, which is known as the "Second Island Chain." Analysts suggest it could also be used to strike U.S. military bases in Japan or the Philippine Sea. The U.S. foreign affairs and security journal "The National Interest" previously expressed concern that the DF-26D has tilted the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific, stating, "Because of the DF-26D, in the event of a Taiwan contingency, U.S. aircraft carriers would have to remain at least 1,000 kilometers away from the Taiwan Strait."

The parade also featured the DF-17, a medium- and short-range ballistic missile that is assessed to have the capability to neutralize the U.S. THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system deployed in South Korea and Japan's SM-3 interceptor system. In addition, the ICBM DF-41, which is evaluated to have a maximum range of about 14,000 kilometers and can strike virtually any target on the globe, was also presented.

In addition to the DF series, the parade included the YJ (Yingji)-21 hypersonic missile, capable of striking U.S. aircraft carriers from long distances, as well as other YJ series missiles. The JL (Julang)-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), which can target the entire U.S. mainland, and other JL series missiles, also made an appearance.

Alongside offensive weapons, China also revealed air defense systems such as the HQ-29, known as the "Chinese Patriot (PAC-3)." On this day, next-generation Chinese stealth fighters such as the J-20S and J-35A flew over the parade venue.