China’s growing military might is sending shockwaves through the international community as its missile arsenal expands at an unprecedented rate. The nation’s intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) now match the United States in number, a significant development with potential to disrupt global security.
In recent years, the Chinese Rocket Force has been rapidly increasing its missile stocks, doubling the number of missiles in its arsenal. According to Pentagon estimates, China currently possesses over 500 operational nuclear warheads, more than half of which are ICBMs. This alarming trend has led to heightened anxieties about a potential shift in the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region.
Adding to the growing concerns is the inclusion of the notorious anti-ship Dong-Feng 21 missile, aptly nicknamed the “carrier killer,” in China’s arsenal. This missile poses a significant threat to the U.S. Navy’s fleet, capable of striking aircraft carriers with pinpoint accuracy. While Navy Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello has expressed confidence in the capabilities of his ships and squadrons to counter any threat, the mere existence of such a weapon serves as a potent reminder of China’s growing military power.
China’s missile arsenal isn’t limited to the Dong-Feng 21. They also boast the intermediate-range ballistic missile Dong Feng-26, capable of reaching U.S. bases in Guam. This versatile missile can be armed with nuclear or conventional warheads, further amplifying its threat.
China’s missile development has outpaced both the U.S. and Russia, particularly in the field of hypersonic weapons. The Dong Feng-17 ballistic missile, equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle, is a key component of China’s deterrent strategy in the Asia-Pacific region. This advanced technology allows the missile to maneuver unpredictably at high speeds, making it difficult to intercept. In response to this development, the U.S. has partnered with Japan to develop a system specifically designed to counter China’s hypersonic weapons.
China’s missile arsenal also includes short-range ballistic missiles like the DF-15, capable of striking Taiwan, and the Dong Feng-5, capable of carrying nuclear warheads to strike as far as the continental U.S. and Western Europe. However, it’s China’s most advanced ICBM, the Dong Feng-41, that truly raises concerns. This missile can reach the U.S. and is designed for nuclear deterrence.
Satellite images taken in 2021 revealed over 100 new silos for nuclear missiles being built in China, a clear indication of the expansion of its “silo-based force”. This expansion of China’s missile arsenal highlights the country’s commitment to building a formidable nuclear deterrent.
In a recent demonstration of its military prowess, China test-fired an ICBM carrying a dummy warhead into the Pacific Ocean. This act, likely intended as a show of force to the U.S. and its allies, further underscores the seriousness of China’s growing military capabilities.
The rapid expansion of China’s missile arsenal is a cause for concern for the U.S. and its allies. It’s a clear signal of China’s growing military prowess and potential to disrupt the balance of power in the region. While the U.S. continues to develop its own defenses and collaborates with allies, the speed at which China is increasing its missile stocks remains a significant cause for concern and requires careful monitoring and strategizing.
