Displayed Might from China Fails to Impress, Accordding to Experts

China recently displayed its latest military technology during a grand parade, unveiling a range of advanced weapon systems designed to bolster its military might.

Among the new additions were the Dongfeng-61 intercontinental ballistic missiles, Julang-3 submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and Hungchi-29 air defense systems. The Chinese armed forces also showcased their supersonic and hypersonic anti-ship missiles, including the YJ-15, YJ-17, YJ-19, and YJ-20.

Chinese President Xi Jinping used the occasion to reiterate his commitment to building a world-class military, stating that the aim was to protect sovereignty and territorial integrity, and support the "great revival of the Chinese nation."

However, the parade has raised concerns in Taiwan, with military analysts describing it as a show of force targeting the island nation. Taiwan's most urgent military requirements are to obtain air defense systems with short, medium, and long-range mobile capabilities.

The PLA's new tactical capabilities also include robot wolves, uncrewed tanks, laser weapons, anti-aircraft artillery vehicles, and FH-97 wingmen drones for the Chengdu J-20 stealth fighters. The parade showcased next-generation weapon systems, including autonomous uncrewed aerial vehicle swarm technology and hypersonic missiles.

The PLA continues to pursue anti-access/area denial capabilities, including the carrier-based Xian KJ-600 airborne early warning and control systems and Shenyang J-35 stealth fighter bombers. However, the actual deployment of the J-35 jets and Fujian aircraft carrier has been slow and long in coming, implying the technologies utilized are not yet fully mature.

The organization responsible for the development of the YJ-family of rockets presented by the Chinese army at their military parade is not explicitly stated. However, it is known that Chinese military missile systems like these are typically developed by state-owned defense research institutes and corporations under the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the Ministry of National Defense.

There have been questions about the authenticity of some of China's new weapons, with some suggesting they may be unlicensed copies of Russian weapons. Shen Ming-shih, a military analyst, expressed skepticism over the YJ-family of missiles, for example.

Meanwhile, Taiwan's military should focus on intercepting Chinese military cargo aircraft and transport ships in the Taiwan Strait, according to Su Tzu-yun, a researcher at the state-run Institute for National Defense and Security Research. He also pointed out that older Chinese weapons remain the gravest threat to Taiwan.

The parade has also been criticized for a perceived leadership vacuum at the PLA, with Su Tzu-yun describing it as embarrassing. The commander of the PLA Central Theater Command's usual role as the parade's master of ceremonies was filled by Lieutenant General Han Shengyan, suggesting chaos due to ongoing purges among the PLA's top brass.

In a recent development, Russia's hypersonic weapons have been shot down by US-made Patriot missile systems in Ukraine, casting doubt on China's ability to produce such advanced arms as a latecomer. This raises questions about the effectiveness and reliability of China's new military technology.

In conclusion, China's military parade has showcased a range of advanced weapon systems, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, air defense systems, and supersonic and hypersonic anti-ship missiles. However, concerns have been raised about the authenticity and effectiveness of some of these new weapons, as well as questions about the leadership and strategy of the PLA. Taiwan, in particular, has expressed concern about the potential threat posed by China's military capabilities.