“They’re Showing Us Doomsday Weapons”: China Reveals Missile That Reaches Every US City And Terrifies Pentagon

In a surprising move that has caught the global community’s attention, China has decided to reveal specific technical details about the DF-5, one of its most formidable intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). This missile, capable of carrying a nuclear warhead with a staggering power of 3 to 4 megatons, marks a significant statement in the realm of international military dynamics. With geopolitical tensions rising, this disclosure is as much a strategic message as it is a revelation. The implications of this transparency extend beyond military might, hinting at China’s evolving role in global nuclear diplomacy.

The DF-5: An Old Missile With Unyielding Power

The DF-5, also known as Dong Feng 5 or “East Wind 5,” was developed in the 1970s and officially deployed in 1981. Despite its age, the missile remains a potent component of China’s military arsenal. Until recently, the exact capabilities of the DF-5 had not been publicly confirmed, leaving much to speculation.

According to Chinese state television CCTV, this missile is a two-stage, silo-based ICBM with a range of 7,500 miles. This extensive reach places the entire continental United States and Europe within its potential target zone. However, what truly stands out is its destructive capacity. The DF-5 can carry a nuclear warhead ranging from 3 to 4 megatons, approximately 200 times more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. In comparison, most modern nuclear weapons have yields of less than 500 kilotons.

Such revelations underscore the persisting relevance of the DF-5 in China’s military strategy, despite the missile’s vintage status. Its capabilities remind the world of the enduring power embedded in China’s strategic arsenal.

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Motivations Behind China's Transparency

The timing and nature of China's decision to disclose details about the DF-5 are far from arbitrary. Experts suggest that this move is neither a mere historical curiosity nor an internal communication exercise. Instead, it represents a strategic maneuver in the context of China's broader military modernization efforts.

This is the first time China has officially confirmed information that Western analysts previously only estimated. The announcement comes amid a significant modernization of China's nuclear deterrent capabilities. As former military instructor Song Zhongping indicated, this disclosure might precede the introduction of more advanced ICBMs that could eventually replace the DF-5. The implicit message is clear: if this older missile is already formidable, the world should brace for what comes next.

This calculated transparency may serve to strengthen China's negotiating position on the global stage, signaling to both allies and adversaries its readiness to assert itself among the leading nuclear powers.

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Modernization and Enhanced Deterrence

The DF-5 has undergone several upgrades since its initial deployment. The DF-5B variant, for example, can now carry multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), which can strike separate targets. This technological leap aligns China's capabilities with those of the United States, whose Minuteman III missiles also feature MIRV technology.

China is also investing in mobile missiles like the DF-31 and DF-41, which are harder to detect and neutralize. These newer models reportedly offer similar or superior capabilities, with ranges exceeding 7,500 miles and the ability to carry multiple nuclear warheads.

This rapid modernization reflects China's commitment to enhancing its nuclear deterrence, suggesting a strategic shift towards a more robust and flexible military stance. As China continues to develop its arsenal, the global balance of power may see significant shifts in the coming years.

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Rapid Nuclear Expansion

According to Pentagon estimates, China currently possesses over 600 nuclear warheads, with projections indicating this number could double by 2030, exceeding 1,000 active warheads. This expansion is supported by at least 320 missile silos, many of which are new or recently upgraded.

In 2023, China conducted a publicly acknowledged ICBM test, the first in several decades. Although the test involved a mock warhead, it underscored China's willingness to demonstrate its nuclear deterrence capabilities openly. This newfound openness represents a departure from the traditionally passive image of China's nuclear strategy.

As China continues to expand and modernize its nuclear forces, questions arise about how this will affect the strategic dynamic among nuclear powers, particularly in relation to the United States and Russia.

Maintaining Deterrence Doctrine

Despite its rapid nuclear expansion, China maintains its "no first use" nuclear policy, pledging never to use nuclear weapons first and not to use them against non-nuclear states. However, as China's offensive capabilities grow, this doctrine might be revisited, especially as strategic competition with the United States and Russia intensifies.

The public revelation of the DF-5's capabilities serves as a calculated display of force. While China shows its strength, it does so with restraint, signaling its readiness to compete with major nuclear powers. As nuclear diplomacy gains renewed attention, China's transparency could redefine global strategic balances. How will the international community respond to this evolving landscape?

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