China put on a big show of military strength this week, rolling out the new DF-5C intercontinental ballistic missile during a Victory Day parade on September 3. The missile, which was paraded through Beijing, has an estimated range of over 20,000 kilometers – meaning it could hit just about anywhere in the world.
What makes the DF-5C stand out is its ability to carry multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles, or MIRVs. Analysts believe it could be fitted with up to a dozen nuclear warheads, allowing it to strike different targets in a single launch. Reporting from Reuters notes that it’s part of a broader modernization effort that is rapidly expanding China’s nuclear arsenal.
Military experts say the missile uses a mix of inertial navigation, starlight alignment, and China’s own Beidou satellite guidance system to achieve accuracy, as explained by Professor Yang Chengjun. It’s also reportedly capable of reaching speeds of tens of Mach, making it nearly impossible to intercept with current missile defense systems.
The DF-5C wasn’t alone in the spotlight. China used the parade to highlight its nuclear triad—land-based missiles, submarine-launched weapons, and air-delivered systems. Alongside the new ICBM, spectators saw the air-based Jinglei-1, the Julang-3 submarine missile, and several other land-based systems like the DF-31. The display also included China’s latest hypersonic and cruise missiles, adding to the sense that the country is showcasing a full-spectrum deterrent.
But it wasn’t all about nukes. The People’s Liberation Army rolled out drones, laser and microwave anti-drone systems, and even a robotic “dog” designed to patrol alongside troops. As The Sun put it, the mix of traditional firepower and futuristic tech was as much about spectacle as it was about strategy.
So what’s the takeaway? Experts say not every weapon on display may be fully operational, but the message is clear. China wants the world to see it as a top-tier military power, capable of deterring rivals and impressing potential partners. Whether aimed at Washington, Moscow, or New Delhi, the DF-5C and its supporting cast were meant to show that Beijing’s arsenal is bigger, faster, and more advanced than ever.
