China ups conventional missile capability

Amid escalation of maritime tensions with neighbours and a US military focus shift to Asia Pacific, Chinese military is stepping up its conventional missile capability, polishing its ability to carry out multiple launches while preserving its strategic nuclear deterrence.

“Conventional missiles are a triumph card in modern warfare. So we must be ready at any time. We must be able to deliver a quick response to attacks, hit the targets with high accuracy, and destroy them totally,” Tan Weihong, Commander of Second Artillery Force, which handles conventional and nuclear missiles said in an interview.

The conventional missile brigade was thrown open to the official English media for the first time after it was established, lifting a veil of mystery.

“The unit first grabbed attention in July 1995, when China announced the PLA would carry out missile tests in the high seas. Six missiles were fired in a week and each successfully hit their target,” the state-run China Daily said.