China Unveils Dongfeng-5C ICBM, Sparking Nuclear Strategy Concerns
China has revealed the Dongfeng-5C (DF-5C), a cutting-edge intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), during a military parade. The DF-5C's capabilities have sparked concerns about a potential shift in China's nuclear strategy.
The DF-5C boasts a range of over 20,000 km, far surpassing its predecessor, the DF-5B. This extended range allows it to strike any point on the planet. Its mobile, three-segment design enables quicker deployment compared to earlier silo-based models, reducing preparation time. This modular design was assessed by researcher Zhang Wei.
The DF-5C's multiple warhead capabilities allow it to deliver up to 10 nuclear warheads simultaneously, increasing its destructive power. Its next-generation guidance system combines inertial navigation, celestial correction, and Beidou satellite positioning for enhanced accuracy.
China's decision to unveil the DF-5C with Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un present underscores growing alignment among the three states. The DF-5C's appearance also serves to assert China's place among the world's top nuclear powers.
The DF-5C's rollout arrives amidst global nuclear modernization programs, with the US upgrading its Minuteman III missiles and Russia deploying its RS-28 Sarmat ICBM. The DF-5C's capabilities raise concerns about China's potential 'counterforce' strategy, targeting an enemy's military and nuclear infrastructure. Its hypersonic speed and extended range further enhance China's nuclear deterrent.
