China Unveils Powerful Dongfeng-5C ICBM at Military Parade
China has revealed a new intercontinental ballistic missile, the Dongfeng-5C (DF-5C), during a military parade. The showcase, witnessed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, signals growing alignment among these nations.
The DF-5C, a product of China's military and technological sectors, is a significant upgrade from previous models. It can travel over 20,000 km, far surpassing older systems, and carries a MIRV payload capable of delivering up to 10 nuclear warheads simultaneously. The missile is mobile in three segments, allowing for quicker deployment.
Analysts view the DF-5C's display not just as a military hardware showcase but also a demonstration of China's soft power and strategic signalling. Dr. Fiona Cunningham, a specialist in Chinese nuclear strategy, believes the DF-5C bolsters China's second-strike capabilities and suggests potential counterforce applications. The missile's next-generation guidance system, combining inertial navigation, celestial correction, and Beidou satellite positioning, makes it more accurate and less vulnerable to interception. The DF-5C's rollout comes amidst global acceleration in nuclear modernization programs, with the United States and Russia also upgrading their ICBMs.
The DF-5C's unveiling, with its extended range, multiple warhead capabilities, and hypersonic speed, underscores China's growing military prowess. Its display, witnessed by key international figures, highlights shifting geopolitical dynamics and the need for global nuclear modernization programs to be monitored closely.
