China's military demonstration underscores its capability to support Xi's plan for a transformed global system.
China's Military Advancements: Closing the Gap with the US
China's military capabilities have been a topic of global discussion, with the country demonstrating significant advancements in recent years. A military parade in Beijing showcased these advancements, featuring an impressive array of drones, advanced missiles, and directed energy weapons.
The Parade and Its Displays
The parade, held on Wednesday, highlighted the DF-61 intercontinental ballistic missile, marking the PLA Rocket Force's first new intercontinental ballistic missile since the DF-41 was introduced. Additionally, missiles with hypersonic glide vehicles were showcased, a technology that is considered a major step forward in missile development.
An impressive array of drones, including extra-large unmanned submarines and aircraft, were on display. These drones, some of which are more advanced than what is seen in the West, demonstrate the PLA's ability to develop, deploy, and produce advanced military capabilities faster than what is seen in the West.
Closing the Gap with the US
Retired Australian Army Maj. Gen. Mick Ryan believes the US remains the strongest military in the world, but China is closing the gap. China's defense spending has been rapidly closing the gap with the US, cutting it in half in the past 12 years. In fact, China's defense spending has increased 13-fold in the past 30 years.
By 2030, China is expected to have 48% more battle force ships than the US. Regionally, China spends five times as much on defense as Japan and nearly seven times as much as South Korea.
Directed Energy Weapons and Stealth Bombers
The laser weapons demonstrated are part of a class called "directed energy weapons," which can also include high-powered microwave systems. China is one of the countries that possesses laser-based air defense weapons, which are reportedly already deployed in large numbers within the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
While China is developing a stealth bomber, the US has already moved on to the prototype stage of its next generation bomber, the B-21. The PLA Air Force has yet to show a stealth bomber in the B-2's category.
The PLA's Experience in High-Intensity Conflicts
It's important to note that the PLA's experience in high-intensity conflicts is limited, as it hasn't fought in a proper high-intensity conflict since the Korean War. None of the weapons displayed in the military parade have been tested in combat.
In conclusion, China's military advancements, as demonstrated in the recent parade, indicate a growing military power. However, it's crucial to remember that while China is closing the gap with the US, the US remains the strongest military in the world. The development and deployment of advanced weapons, such as the DF-61 and the advanced drones, showcase China's industrial capacity to back up its military ambitions. The use of directed energy weapons and the development of a stealth bomber further underscore China's commitment to military modernisation.
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