China DF-5B ICBM: China’s official TV channel CCTV has shared important information of its highly powerful intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) DF-5B for the first time. This missile is so powerful that a nuclear attack can be carried out to any corner of America. The time for this disclosure is very special, because tension is increasing between China and Western countries, especially with America, Taiwan, South China Sea and military expansion.
The specialty and range of DF-5B
DF-5B is a two-step, Silo-based missile that was prepared in the early 1970s and posted in 1981. Its length is 32.6 meters, diameter 3.35 meters and weighs about 183 tonnes.
This missile can take a single atomic warhead, which has a capacity of 3 to 4 megatons TNT – that is, about 200 times more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Its range is up to 12,000 kilometers (7,460 mi), which can easily attack the US and Western Europe.
Important part of China’s nuclear power
Experts believe that making public information public is a strategic effort to show China’s nuclear resistance. This missile is an important part of China’s grassroots, marine and air force and strengthens the capacity of another attack.
Former PLA instructor Song Zhongping said that DF-5 played an important role in establishing China’s nuclear capacity globally. He said, “If DF-5 was not there, China would not have been considered as a strong nuclear nation.”
Indication of upcoming generation missiles
Song Zongping believes that making public information public can be part of the preparation to introduce a new generation ICBM missiles. This step is also considered to be a sign of change in China’s military transparency. With this, China wants to convey the message that its defense strength is strong and it is ready to compete with any challenge.
China is engaged in increasing nuclear strength
On 25 September 2024, China’s Defense Ministry reported that the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF) tested an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), probably the modern version of the DF-31.
According to the Pentagon, China has more than 600 nuclear weapons and can cross 1000 by 2030. The US Department of Defense has also estimated that China has built around 320 missiles in three big places.
China’s ‘No-first-use’ policy
Apart from India, China is the only country that follows the ‘No First Use’ policy. This means that he will not first attack any country and will not use it against non-nuclear countries.