{"id":748,"date":"2025-09-04T19:29:20","date_gmt":"2025-09-04T19:29:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.globaltalenthq.com\/?p=748"},"modified":"2025-09-08T18:38:14","modified_gmt":"2025-09-08T18:38:14","slug":"beijings-missile-fashion-week-china-shows-the-us-whos-boss-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.globaltalenthq.com\/index.php\/2025\/09\/04\/beijings-missile-fashion-week-china-shows-the-us-whos-boss-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Beijing\u2019s missile fashion week: China shows the US who\u2019s boss"},"content":{"rendered":"

China has showcased advanced laser weapons and new missiles. Why do these frighten the US?<\/strong><\/p>\n

On Wednesday, China hosted a parade marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan and the end of the Second World War. The event in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square demonstrated cutting-edge innovations developed by China’s military-industrial complex, with lessons learned from contemporary military conflicts.<\/p>\n

Vasily Kashin, director of the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies at the National Research University Higher School of Economics in Moscow, noted<\/a> that China does not hold annual parades, making this week’s event particularly significant.<\/p>\n

“This parade is quite different from the Chinese parades of the last 15 years. It’s designed to show a new level of military strength, and may signal changes in China’s doctrinal documents,”<\/em> he said.<\/p>\n

The parade featured new armored vehicles, laser weapons, and missiles that could play a crucial role in a potential conflict with the US. <\/p>\n

Transporter erector launchers with DF-61 intercontinental missiles<\/h2>\n

Despite the fact that the rehearsals for the parade drew increased attention, the Chinese military managed to surprise foreign observers. Transporter erector launchers (TEL) equipped with DF-61 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) were showcased for the first time ever during the military parade. <\/p>\n

\n
\n Land-based DF-61 intercontinental ballistic missiles<\/p>\n


\n \u00a9  VCG\/VCG via Getty Images <\/span>
\n <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Details about the system, which is mounted on an eight-axle chassis, were not disclosed. The DF-61 falls into the same category as Russia’s Yars TEL. These systems can launch missiles from anywhere along their patrol route, and can be deployed in just minutes. The DF-61 may be an advancement of the DF-41 TEL which was unveiled during a 2019 parade. The DF-41 is believed to have a range of 12,000 to 15,000km and can carry up to ten warheads.<\/p>\n

Additionally, a new variant of the DF-31 ICBM, called DF-31BJ, was revealed in Beijing. The DF-31A variant is known to have a range of over 13,000km.<\/p>\n

JL-3 missile<\/h2>\n

The parade also showcased the JL-3 intercontinental submarine-launched ballistic missile.<\/p>\n

Type 094 “Jin”<\/em> class strategic nuclear submarines can carry up to 12 such missiles.<\/p>\n

\n
\n JL-3 submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missiles<\/p>\n


\n \u00a9  VCG\/VCG via Getty Images <\/span>
\n <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Brandon J. Weichert wrote<\/a> in his article for The National Interest, this new missile would enable China to strike the US from safe coastal waters. <\/p>\n

“With an intercontinental range and multiple warhead capabilities, the JL-3 positions China as a formidable rival to the United States and its allies as the balance of military power in the Indo-Pacific shifts in China’s favor,”<\/em> Weichert wrote.<\/p>\n

DF-5 missile with global reach<\/h2>\n

Beijing has unveiled a new variant of its DF-5 ICBM, known as the DF-5C. During the parade, it was stated that the missile has global reach. This could imply that is equipped with an orbital warhead.<\/p>\n

\n
\n DongFeng-5C liquid-fueled intercontinental strategic nuclear missiles<\/p>\n


\n \u00a9  VCG\/VCG via Getty Images <\/span>
\n <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The original liquid-fueled DF-5 entered service in 1971, while the upgraded DF-5B boasts an increased payload capacity of 5,000kg along with advanced technologies allowing it to bypass conventional air defense systems.<\/p>\n

According to reports, the missile was tested in 2017. It is believed to feature a multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) system with up to 12 guided warheads.<\/p>\n

An analogue of Russia’s Kinzhal missile<\/h2>\n

New JL-1 air-launched ballistic missiles were also unveiled in Beijing. According to the description, they resemble Russia’s Kinzhal missiles and are released after the aircraft reaches a predetermined altitude and speed.<\/p>\n

\n
\n JL-1 air-launched long-range missiles<\/p>\n


\n \u00a9  VCG\/VCG via Getty Images <\/span>
\n <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

CJ-1000 hypersonic long-range cruise missile launchers were likewise on display, while the public could also see YJ-18C long-range cruise missiles currently in service with the People’s Liberation Army Navy and CJ-20A missiles used by China’s Air Force.<\/p>\n

\n
\n YJ-18C ship-launched cruise missiles<\/p>\n


\n \u00a9  VCG\/VCG via Getty Images <\/span>
\n <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

New tanks and support combat vehicles<\/h2>\n

During parade rehearsals, observers spotted new armored vehicles – a ZTZ-201 tank and a tank support combat vehicle. According to parade announcers, both vehicles are classified as “Type 100.”<\/em><\/p>\n

These vehicles share a common tracked chassis with a hybrid powertrain. Modern reactive armor and an active defense system featuring radar and optical sensors provide enhanced protection. The tank is equipped with a 105mm turret, believed to perform comparably to 120mm cannons, and includes a remotely operated machine gun module.<\/p>\n

\n
\n Type 99B tanks<\/p>\n


\n \u00a9  VCG\/VCG via Getty Images <\/span>
\n <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The tank support combat vehicle features a combat module with an automatic cannon and is equipped with a reconnaissance drone. Two pilots positioned at the rear of the vehicle can control the drone. The vehicle’s drivers are equipped with augmented reality glasses.<\/p>\n

Laser missile defense systems<\/h2>\n

China’s defense industry has developed several laser systems for air defense and missile interception. During the parade, LY-1 naval laser systems were displayed on wheeled platforms. Additionally, two other laser systems mounted on a four-axle truck and a three-axle armored vehicle were showcased. These are likely designed for the ground forces of the People’s Liberation Army.<\/p>\n

\n
\n LY-1 ship-based air defense lasers<\/p>\n


\n \u00a9  VCG\/VCG via Getty Images <\/span>
\n <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Several countries, including Russia, the UK, and the US, are currently developing laser-based air defense systems. These offer a more cost-effective alternative to intercepting threats with expensive missiles, particularly when it comes to defending against swarms of inexpensive kamikaze drones. In August, a video surfaced showing<\/a> a Russian laser weapon successfully intercepting a Ukrainian FP-1 kamikaze drone, causing it to explode upon contact.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

China has showcased advanced laser weapons and new missiles. Why do these frighten the US? On Wednesday, China hosted a parade marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan and the end of the Second World War. The event in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square demonstrated cutting-edge innovations developed by China’s military-industrial…<\/p>\n

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