Dongfeng-61 Missile Debut Highlights China's Strategic Military Advancements

China's recent military parade showcased the country's growing array of advanced weaponry, sending a strong message to the US and its allies about China's expanding military capabilities. Among the highlights was the debut of the Dongfeng-61 missile, which can carry multiple nuclear warheads within its cone, demonstrating China's strategic advancements and its potential to challenge US military deployments.

The parade also featured several other missile models, such as the Dongfeng-5C intercontinental ballistic missile, capable of striking the US mainland from northern China, and the Dongfeng-26D medium-range missile, known for targeting major US bases in Guam. These inclusions emphasize China's focus on missile development as a primary deterrent and countermeasure against the US naval superiority, which is traditionally anchored by the largest aircraft carrier strike groups globally.

Alexander Neill, a fellow at the Pacific Forum, noted that China views missile and rocket force development as the cornerstone of its deterrence strategy and a means to counter US naval strengths. Analysts predict that while the US Navy remains at the forefront globally, its carrier strike groups could become increasingly vulnerable to missile attacks, as reflected in China's bolstered deterrence and second-strike capabilities.

During the parade, attention was also drawn to cutting-edge aerial drones powered by artificial intelligence, notably the extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle AJX-002, designed for surveillance and reconnaissance, and the Attack-11 stealth drone, capable of operating alongside manned aircraft for coordinated assaults.

Michael Raska from Singapore's Nanyang Technological University pointed to China's strategic shift towards integrating artificial intelligence and unmanned technology into its military arsenal, drawing lessons from conflicts like the Ukraine war. By deploying waves of drones, China aims to wear down adversaries’ defenses rapidly, leveraging AI for enhanced speed and decision-making in combat situations.

Neill highlighted the challenge many countries face in deploying AI within military frameworks, citing concerns over dependence on intelligent systems for critical attack operations. Nonetheless, China appears confident in its ability to fully integrate AI across various systems, ushering in a new era of warfare characterized by speed and precision.

Despite these advancements, experts assert that while China may quickly manufacture diverse weapons, effective deployment remains a challenge due to a lack of combat experience. China's military has not engaged in a significant conflict for several decades, raising questions about practical integration and operational readiness.

Furthermore, although China's technological capabilities are on an upward trajectory, analysts still consider the US military to hold operational advantages. The US military's bottom-up culture enables frontline adaptability and tactical shifts, offering a battlefield agility that contrasts with China's top-down approach, where actions may be delayed pending higher command orders.

The Dongfeng-61 missile, specifically, signals a substantial leap in China's strategic reach, capable of challenging American and allied positions in critical regions. This missile boasts an extended range and advanced re-entry capabilities, highlighting China's ambitions to cement its status as a formidable force in global strategic calculations.

In tandem with showcasing new weaponry, China is also using its military might to enhance its global influence through arms sales, inviting over 20 foreign leaders to the parade, with Russia's President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un being prominent attendees. This underscores Beijing's dual strategy of promoting its military hardware to potential buyers and exerting pressure on the US through visible demonstrations of unity among leaders who challenge American geopolitical influence.

Finally, as the parade highlighted China's enhanced weapons systems, including strategic missiles and advanced stealth fighters like the J-20S, it became evident that China's defense capabilities are not only a showcase but a declaration of comprehensive national strength and military modernization.