New missiles meant for defensive purposes only
| The DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile (right), is among the highlights of the parade. Photo: Zhang Siyang/GT |
China unveiled at the parade on Thursday the latest-developed weaponry, includingmissiles dubbed the “carrier killer” and “Guam killer” missiles, an demonstration whichhas resulted from China’s growing confidence and the obligations of a “responsible worldpower,” according to experts.
At the parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII and victory in theWar of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, 84 percent of the 500 types of equipmenton show were displayed in public for the first time, reported the Xinhua News Agency.
A host of latest armaments ranging from intercontinental ballistic missiles to medium-long range bombers were rolled out in the military parade.
Among them, the DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile, the DF-26 intermediate-rangeballistic missile, and the DF-5B intercontinental ballistic missile were the highlights of theparade, Shao Yongling, a senior colonel from the People’s Liberation Army SecondArtillery Command College, told the Global Times.
The DF-21D, anti-aircraft carrier ballistic missile, is reportedly capable of destroying anaircraft carrier with one hit.
Dubbed the “carrier killer,” it is believed to be targeted against US aircraft carriers tocounter US naval domination in the western Pacific, and to obstruct the US from operatingin the Sea of Japan and from coming to the defense of Taiwan, reported Japanese media.
Shao said the DF-26 intermediate range ballistic missile, dubbed the “Guam killer” inreference to US naval bases in Guam in the western Pacific, can strike the bases.
“They are all defensive weapons, instead of offensive ones,” said Rear Admiral Yang Yi, aPLA navy expert. told the Global Times.
“They are all defensive weapons, instead of offensive ones,” Rear Admiral and navy expertYang Yi, told the Global Times.
Experts said the demonstration, more candid than ever before in displaying the advancedand sensitive weapons, indicated military transparency and the country’s increasingconfidence in its military strength.
“The display can dismiss speculations and decrease strategic misjudgment by othercountries,” Shao said, adding that the parade is also a deterrent to potential rivals.