China seems to have missiles that could indeed strike U.S. Navy warships: Even as the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has become the largest naval force in the world, and recently launched its third aircraft carrier, the Chinese military continues to tout its capabilities to counter the United States Navy’s nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. Just this week, Chinese state media aired footage of its most powerful strategic nuclear-capable weapons, including its so-called anti-ship “carrier killers” to mark National Day several months ago.
That move was seen as a warning to the U.S. as tensions escalate between the rival powers.
According to a report from the South China Morning Post, anti-aircraft carrier DF-21D and DF-26B ballistic missiles as well as new-generation DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) – all part of the Dongfeng series – were on display in the new footage for state-owned China Central Television (CCTV), in a segment from an eight-part documentary series.
“Showcasing Dongfeng series strategic weapons is a subtle warning to the United States, which is instigating other countries to put on pressure on Beijing over the Taiwan issue, as the fierce Ukraine war also poses a dilemma for China,” explained Song Zhongping, a former People’s Liberation Army (PLA) instructor.
“The PLA Rocket Force’s strategic weapons were supposed to be displayed in National Day military parades, but China organizes such big events only once a decade or once in five years, which makes such video footage another option for the PLA to show its muscle to its American counterpart,” Song added.
How powerful are China's DF-21D and DF-26B?
