China unveiled five new types of nuclear missiles during a military parade at Tiananmen Square, marking a significant display of its advancing strategic capabilities. The event, attended by world leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump, commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Chinese state media described the weapons as capable of providing “global-covering” and “defense-penetrating” strike options. The unveiling comes amid U.S. plans to develop a nationwide anti-missile shield, intensifying global focus on nuclear deterrence.
Expanding Arsenal
China holds the world’s third-largest nuclear stockpile, following Russia and the United States. President Xi Jinping has accelerated nuclear development as part of broader military modernization. The parade marked the first simultaneous public display of China’s land-, sea-, and air-based nuclear triad.
Among the weapons revealed were three intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) — the DF-5C, DF-31BJ, and DF-61 — along with the JL-1 air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM) and the JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).
Military expert Shao Yongling told the Global Times that the display demonstrated China’s “reliable and credible” nuclear deterrence. Zhang Junshe, another analyst, noted that the introduction of an air-launched strategic missile placed China among a select group of countries with full nuclear triad capability.
Missile Capabilities
The DF-5C ICBM reportedly has a range of more than 12,427 miles, enabling global strike capability. According to missile expert Yang Chengjun, the system can carry multiple warheads and decoys, posing significant challenges to current missile defense systems.
By comparison, the United States operates a single land-based ICBM, the Minuteman III, in service since 1970, with a range exceeding 6,000 miles.
The DF-31BJ is believed to be a silo-based variant of the DF-31 family, while the DF-61 is thought to succeed the DF-41, which has a range of 9,320 miles and can carry multiple warheads. Analysts suggest that China is exploring road-mobile, rail-mobile, and silo-based deployment modes.
The JL-3 SLBM, with an estimated range of 6,214 miles, is designed for China’s fleet of six Type 094 nuclear-powered submarines. Each vessel carries 12 missiles, ensuring a constant at-sea deterrent. More advanced Type 096 submarines are expected in the next decade. In contrast, the U.S. Navy operates 14 Ohio-class submarines, each carrying up to 20 Trident II missiles with longer reach.
The JL-1 ALBM, carried by the H-6N bomber, has a range between 1,864 and 2,485 miles. With aerial refueling, the bomber’s range extends to over 3,100 miles, allowing nuclear strikes within the Indo-Pacific region. The United States deploys AGM-86B cruise missiles on its B-52H bombers, with a range of 1,500 miles.
Strategic Implications
The U.S. Department of Defense declined to comment on the developments. However, Washington continues to advance its proposed $175 billion “Golden Dome” missile defense system, projected for deployment by 2029.
China’s unveiling underscores the complexity of global security dynamics. Yang Chengjun emphasized that the new weapons “remind people not to ignore real threats” and reflect the “complex and severe” security environment facing China.
Whether Beijing will conduct live test launches of the newly showcased systems remains uncertain. Observers note that continued advancements could heighten calls from Washington and allies for renewed dialogue on nuclear arms control.
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