China’s missile potential has developed dramatically, can sink US aircraft carriers

According to Asia Times, the report of the US Congressional Research Service (CRS) in early March on China’s naval potential cited the assessment of top military commanders that the arsenal of ballistic missiles could destroy the Chinese navy. This Asian power’s ship (ASBM) can hit moving targets. With this power, China can effectively protect more than 1,500 km from its coast.

On December 3, 2020, the press reported that Admiral Philip Davidson, Commander of the Indo-Pacific Command for the first time on behalf of the US Government, confirmed that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Army confirmed for the first time on behalf of the US Government that the People’s Liberation Army China has successfully tested an anti-ship ballistic missile aimed at a moving ship. China is also developing hypersonic gliders. If integrated into ASBMs, it could make Chinese ASBMs more difficult to intercept.”

Analysts believe that the CRS report provides an overall assessment of China’s military potential and contributes to reinforcing some of the assessments made by senior US officers in the past. If Beijing’s missiles can hit US ships within 1,500km or more of its coast, Washington will have to be more vigilant when sending aircraft carriers and other warships on missions in Taiping. Positive.

According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) based in Washington, China currently has between 750-1,500 short-range ASBMs with 250 launchers, and 150-450 intermediate-range ballistic missiles with 150 launchers and from 80 – 160 long range missiles with 80 launchers. The DF-21 medium-range missile has a range of 1,500 km and the DF-26 long-range missile can reach targets 4,000 km away.

According to a report by the military think tank RAND, the US airbase on Guam is 3,000 km from the Chinese coast, within the range of the DF-26. Meanwhile, the US base at Kadena, Okinawa, is 816 km from Shanghai and within range of China’s medium-range missiles.

US warships are equipped with defense systems, such as the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System, which can fire missiles to intercept threatening targets. But the tactic of mass attacks could overwhelm American ships. Moreover, at present, the US Navy does not have a system against hypersonic flying vehicles.

The CRS warned that the Chinese navy is seen as a major obstacle for Washington to maintain operational control over areas of the Western Pacific – the first challenge the US Navy has faced since the end of the War. Cold painting.

“The Chinese navy is a key factor in challenging America’s longstanding position as the leading military power in the Western Pacific. Some observers are expressing concern or warning about China’s speed of naval shipbuilding,” the report stated. It is forecasted that by 2030, China will have 425 warships. At present, the United States owns less than 300 warships.

The report concludes that China is trying to modernize its military to challenge US influence in the Western Pacific and to assert Beijing’s position as a leading regional and global power.