China Unveils Global-Strike Ballistic Missile at Military Parade... Targeting U.S. Golden Dome? [Sisa Show]

DF-5C, China's Multiple Warhead ICBM, Unveiled
North Korea, China, and Russia Demonstrate Global Anti-U.S. Solidarity

■ Broadcast: Asia Economy 'So Jongsup's Current Affairs Show'

■ Host: Political Specialist So Jongsup

■ Director: Producer Lee Miri

■ Guest: Reporter Lee Hyunwoo

The Chinese government drew international attention by unveiling a large array of new weapons, including its latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Dongfeng (DF)-5C, at the 80th anniversary Victory Day military parade. The DF-5C, in particular, attracted even greater attention as it is assessed to be capable of striking anywhere in the world, including the U.S. mainland. Furthermore, the timing of this weapons showcase coincided with the U.S. government’s announcement of concrete plans for its “Golden Dome” homeland defense project, leading to interpretations that China’s move is a provocative gesture toward the United States.

DF-5C Capable of Striking the U.S. Mainland and Anywhere Worldwide

On the 3rd (local time), at the Victory Day 80th Anniversary military parade held at Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China, the latest Chinese intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Dongfeng (DF)-5C missile, was unveiled. Photo by AFP Yonhap News.

The DF-5C is an ICBM with a range exceeding 20,000 kilometers and is equipped with multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), making it a weapon that provokes the United States and Western countries. A MIRV missile travels as a single body until it passes through the Earth's atmosphere; upon reentry, it separates into multiple warheads, each targeting a different location. The DF-5C is reportedly capable of deploying 10 nuclear warheads simultaneously, each attacking a separate target.

After reentering the atmosphere, these warheads strike at speeds of Mach 19 to 25-more than 20 times the speed of sound-making interception by interceptor missiles, which typically travel at Mach 7 to 9, virtually impossible. If 10 warheads are dropped simultaneously, even countries with advanced missile defense networks would find it difficult to defend all targeted areas at once. In a contingency where hundreds of missiles are launched at once, it is assessed that a significant number of major cities on an entire continent could be destroyed.

Ultimately, the DF-5C is considered nearly impossible to intercept with existing missile defense systems, including THAAD deployed in South Korea and the U.S. mainland. If the missile is not intercepted before launch or before passing through the atmosphere, it becomes extremely difficult to stop. While interception is somewhat possible during the missile’s ascent, once it descends and splits into 10 warheads, defense becomes extremely challenging.

China’s decision to unveil the DF-5C at this parade is being interpreted as a warning message to the United States. In May, the U.S. government announced the Golden Dome homeland missile defense project, and China revealed this missile just as the project was entering full swing. Coincidentally, on the same day, President Donald Trump announced plans to relocate the Space Command, which will play a leading role in operating the Golden Dome, from Colorado to Alabama.

Various New Weapons Unveiled, Including the 'Aircraft Carrier Killer' and 'Guam Killer'

On the 3rd (local time), the so-called 'aircraft carrier killer' anti-ship hypersonic missile YJ-21 was unveiled at the Victory Day 80th anniversary military parade held at Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

In addition to the DF-5C, several other new weapons that China takes pride in made their debut at the parade. The anti-ship hypersonic missile YJ-21, known as the “aircraft carrier killer” and designed to target U.S. warships and aircraft carriers from long range, drew significant attention. Also featured was the Dongfeng (DF)-26D, a medium-range ballistic missile dubbed the “Guam Killer” for its capability to strike U.S. bases on Guam.

The HQ-29 interceptor missile, known as the Chinese version of THAAD, revealed at the Victory Day 80th anniversary military parade held on the 3rd (local time) at Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China. Photo by EPA Yonhap News

For the first time, China also unveiled the HQ-29, an air defense missile system often referred to as the Chinese version of THAAD, which had previously been shrouded in secrecy. Numerous other air combat weapons were also introduced. Of particular note was the advanced drone Hei Hong-97, equipped with both stealth and AI capabilities, enabling active aerial attacks. These unmanned combat drones are typically deployed alongside manned fighter jets to escort pilots and are commonly referred to as “wingman fighters.”

It is interpreted that China revealed these systems to demonstrate that it has deployed such advanced technologies in actual operations ahead of the United States. Overall, the weapons showcased at this parade were intended to highlight that China’s military power is not inferior to that of the United States and that China is fully capable of retaliating in the event of war or international conflict in the Taiwan Strait.

Leaders of North Korea, China, and Russia Gather Together for the First Time in 66 Years

Leaders of North Korea, China, and Russia traveling together to attend the 80th anniversary military parade of China's Victory Day on the 3rd (local time). Photo by UPI Yonhap News

Equally noteworthy at this event was the gathering of the leaders of North Korea, China, and Russia in one place for the first time in 66 years. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un stood side by side at the Hainanmang Watchtower-a scene not witnessed since 1959.

Until now, the unity among these three leaders had not been particularly evident, and President Trump had been working to drive a wedge between them by reaching out to Russia and North Korea. In fact, Trump held a summit with President Putin in Alaska and repeatedly expressed his desire to meet with Chairman Kim Jong Un.

However, the image of the three leaders standing together under the banner of anti-Americanism was broadcast worldwide and is being interpreted as a highly symbolic gesture. While President Trump has tried to undermine this alliance, the message sent is that these three countries will inevitably unite under the anti-American banner.

President Trump also issued a message tinged with frustration. On his social media, he sent a sarcastic note to President Xi, stating, "Work hard on your conspiracies against the United States, and please send my warm regards to President Putin and Chairman Kim Jong Un."

Although the message appeared outwardly composed, it is being interpreted as an indication that the unity of these three leaders is not a welcome sight for the United States. This situation has clearly revealed the limitations of the Trump administration’s strategy of expanding dialogue channels with Russia and North Korea to contain China.

Going forward, it is expected that the Trump administration’s approach to relations with North Korea and Russia will change. There is speculation that the administration will no longer be as eager to pursue summits as before. However, some analysts believe that simply maintaining contact with these countries will keep China on edge, and thus the United States will continue to use North Korea and Russia as leverage in its negotiations with China.

The show of unity among the North Korean, Chinese, and Russian leaders is not a welcome development for South Korea. With ongoing discussions about North Korea-U.S. summits and South Korea’s role as a potential intermediary, the current situation may embolden North Korea even further.

This strengthening of trilateral cooperation is seen as further highlighting China’s image as the leader of the anti-American alliance. In his Victory Day address, President Xi stated, “Humanity today faces a choice between peace and war, between win-win cooperation and a zero-sum game.” This was widely interpreted as a veiled ultimatum: choose to side with the United States or join the anti-American alliance.

For countries like South Korea, which must maintain strong relations with both the United States and China, this message is seen as a form of intense pressure. China’s message appears to be: “Peace and coexistence are on our side, so you should clearly align with us.” By highlighting issues such as the U.S. tariff war and recent attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, China is attempting to portray the United States as a violent nation and to rally support against it.

The strengthening of the North Korea-China-Russia alliance could prompt the United States to push for even closer trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the United States, and Japan, creating new challenges for South Korea. With ongoing negotiations over the cost-sharing of U.S. Forces Korea and alliance modernization, there is a high likelihood that the United States will exert additional pressure to accelerate these talks. As a result, concerns are growing that the difficulty of South Korea’s foreign policy will only increase.