China’s Rocket Force: A Rising Power in the Missile Age
China’s Rocket Force, a branch of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) that controls China’s land-based ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles, both nuclear and conventional, is one of the most formidable and secretive forces in the world. Established in 2016, the Rocket Force oversees China’s arsenal of strategic missiles, which can both deter and strike potential adversaries, especially the United States and its allies in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Rocket Force has been developing and testing new types of missiles, such as the DF-17 hypersonic glide vehicle, the DF-26 intermediate-range ballistic missile, and the DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missile, which have increased China’s capabilities and range in the missile domain. The DF-17, for example, can fly at speeds above Mach 5 and maneuver in flight, making it harder to intercept by existing missile defenses. The DF-26, dubbed the “Guam killer”, can carry either nuclear or conventional warheads and strike targets up to 4,000 kilometers away, covering most of the US military bases in the region. The DF-41, reportedly the world’s longest-range and most powerful ICBM, can carry up to 10 nuclear warheads and reach any part of the US mainland within 30 minutes.
The Rocket Force has also test-launched more ballistic missiles than the rest of the world combined in recent years, demonstrating its confidence and readiness in the missile field. According to the US Department of Defense, China conducted more than 200 ballistic missile tests in 2020, while the rest of the world conducted less than 50. Some of these tests involved multiple simultaneous launches, indicating China’s ability to conduct complex and coordinated missile operations.
The Rocket Force poses a serious threat to the US and its allies in the Asia-Pacific region, as it can use its missiles to target US aircraft carriers, satellites, and missile defenses, which are vital for the US military presence and deterrence in the region. All American bases in the region, including Guam, are within range of precision missiles from the Chinese mainland, which could inflict heavy damage and casualties in the event of a conflict. China could also use its missiles to attack US satellites, which provide essential intelligence, communication, and navigation services for the US military and civilian sectors. Moreover, China could use its missiles to overwhelm and degrade US missile defenses, which are designed to intercept a limited number of incoming missiles, not a massive barrage.
The Rocket Force is highly secretive and loyal to the Chinese Communist Party, and is led by General Wang Houbin, a former missile brigade commander. The Rocket Force operates under the direct command of the Central Military Commission, the highest military organ of the party, and is not subject to the oversight or scrutiny of the civilian government or the public. The Rocket Force’s personnel, facilities, and activities are shrouded in secrecy, and its budget and doctrine are not disclosed. General Wang, who took over the Rocket Force in July 2023, is a veteran missile officer who has been involved in several missile tests and exercises. He is also a member of the Communist Party’s 20th Central Committee, which indicates his political clout and loyalty.
The Rocket Force is the crown jewel of the Chinese military, and is a key component of China’s ambition to become a global superpower. The Rocket Force gives China a credible and potent nuclear deterrent, as well as a conventional strike capability that can influence the regional and global security environment. The Rocket Force also reflects China’s technological prowess and innovation in the missile domain, as well as its willingness to challenge the US-led order and norms in the missile field. The Rocket Force is a force to be reckoned with, and one that the US and its allies must monitor and counter carefully.
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