China Unveils New Missiles Targeting U.S. Warships

Kokcha News Agency – China is preparing to showcase four new missiles specifically designed to destroy enemy warships, as part of its broader strategy to counter U.S. naval superiority in the Pacific. The missiles will be officially unveiled during a military parade scheduled for September 3 at Tiananmen Square in Beijing, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

In recent years, China has rapidly modernized its military, building a vast arsenal of long-range missiles capable of targeting U.S. forces and bases in the Western Pacific. These missiles are central to China’s “anti-access/area denial” (A2/AD) strategy, aimed at deterring U.S. intervention in potential conflicts over Taiwan or the South China Sea.

According to state media Xinhua, a rehearsal for the parade took place over the weekend, involving around 40,000 participants. Images shared on social media revealed the new missiles, labeled YJ-15, YJ-17, YJ-19, and YJ-20. The “YJ” designation stands for “Ying Ji,” which translates to “Eagle Strike” in Chinese, representing China’s anti-ship missile family.

Key Missiles to Watch:

• YJ-15: Described by military expert Rick Joe as a supersonic missile capable of exceeding the speed of sound (1,235 km/h).
• YJ-17 and YJ-19: Hypersonic missiles with speeds over five times the speed of sound, known for their high maneuverability.
• YJ-20: A next-generation hypersonic missile with aeroballistic maneuverability, potentially designed to increase range and precision.

Australian naval analyst Alex Luck noted that these missiles could be designed not only for anti-ship operations but also for striking land-based targets.

Threat to U.S. Navy:
Experts warn that the U.S. Navy’s current air defense systems are capable of detecting slow, low-visibility missiles. To counter this, Beijing is focusing on developing supersonic and hypersonic missiles that can penetrate U.S. defenses.