Missiles and Space Programme

China is in the midst of a ballistic missile modernisation programme that is improving its force, both qualitatively and quantitatively, in all classes of missiles. This modernisation programme is intended to improve both China’s nuclear deterrence by increasing the number of warheads. Older generation liquid-propellant ballistic missiles are being replaced by the new-generation solid-propellant, road-mobile designs. China has conducted two successful manned space flight missions, and has launched a number of spacecraft to support its military operations.

Missiles. The PLA Second Artillery Corps has replaced its some 20 older DF-5 (CSS-4) ICBM with the modified DF-5A (CSS-4 Mod 2). Deployment of the DF-31 ICBM has already started and the follow-on extended-range version DF-31A is under development. The Second Artillery Corps will retain about 10~20 improved variant of the DF-4 (CSS-3) IRBM through the end of the decade. The ageing liquid propellant DF-3A (CSS-2) is being replaced by the newer road-mobile, solid propellant DF-21 (CSS-5) MRBM.

The PLA Navy deploys a single Type 092 Xia class nuclear-powered missile submarine carrying 12 single-warhead JL-1 SLBM. The newer JL-2 developed from the DF-31 ICBM is expected to be deployed in the Type 094 submarine by 2010.

The PLA Second Artillery Corps also has 600~800 conventional DF-9 (CSS-7) and DF-15 (CSS-6) short-range ballistic missiles, most of which are deployed in the east and southeast regions of the country. This figure is likely to rise further in the coming years. In addition, a number of LACM development programmes have been reported.

Space-Based Systems. China has launched a number of military or dual-use satellites for imagery and radar reconnaissance, telecommunications, and regional navigation. It is also developing a new modular family of heavy-lift space launch vehicle (SLV) and all-solid-propellant SLV to place various payloads into earth orbits. Its manned space programme has made progress with two manned flight missions conducted so far. The third flight mission, which reportedly will involve space walk and space docking, is scheduled to be carried out in 2007.

In January 2007, China conducted a successful anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon test, destroying a old weather satellite in orbit using a kinetic kill vehicle carried by a solid-propellant SLV. This made China the third country in the world after US and Russia to possess such a capability.

Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD). China’s nuclear arsenal was estimated to be between 100~150 nuclear weapons including nuclear warheads and air-dropped nuclear bombs. Tactical nuclear weapon development was reported but there is no known deployment.

No evidence shows that China is currently pursuing any chemical or biological weapon programme, though China has the industrial capabilities to develop, test, and deploy this kind of weapons.