After the USS Washington entered the South China Sea, it claimed to be conducting a proud voyage. On the same day, China officially unveiled the Type 052D launching the YJ-21 missile.
The U.S. aircraft carrier USS Washington arrived at the edge of the South China Sea on the 20th. It advanced alone into the region on the 22nd, and by the 24th, the entire carrier strike group had fully entered the South China Sea. Its current operational area is generally located in the waters southeast of China's Huangyan Island. On July 29th, the official social media account of the USS Washington released a post:
Do you know what maritime traffic lanes are? The U.S. Navy’s USS Washington is proudly sailing through the South China Sea. Maintaining maritime control over critical sea lanes in the Indo-Pacific region and ensuring freedom of navigation are essential.
Evidently, this time when the USS Washington re-entered the South China Sea, the United States aims to amplify its narrative in public opinion, attempting to demonstrate so-called freedom of navigation and military presence in these waters.
Regarding the USS Washington’s entry into the South China Sea, China’s official channels have not issued any direct counter-responses in words. However, after the carrier entered, the H-6 bombers immediately flew into the South China Sea in plain view. This bomber possesses long-range destructive attack capabilities against large surface vessels. Flying into the South China Sea openly clearly demonstrates its targeted nature and deterrent effect.
And precisely on the same day that the USS Washington posted this message, China officially announced that the latest variant of the Type 052D destroyer can launch the YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile.
This missile can fly at up to Mach 6 throughout its entire flight, with terminal speed reaching an astonishing Mach 10, and its maximum range can extend to 1,500 kilometers. For large, mobile surface warships like aircraft carriers, such a deadly weapon cannot be effectively intercepted. More importantly, prior to this, only the Type 055 destroyers in China’s navy could launch this missile. Now, due to the installation of deep 9-meter launch bays on the Type 052DL, it too can now fire the YJ-20. This means China now has over 40 surface combatants capable of launching this devastating weapon. Against such striking power, even one USS Washington would be ineffective—let alone eleven ships coming together; their impact would likely be negligible.
Naturally, China did not explicitly state that this development was primarily aimed at any specific party. It was merely part of routine training exercises. We hope relevant parties will not draw excessive conclusions.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1872109125513227/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.