Official Chinese media rarely disclosed the key performance parameters of the DF-5 intercontinental ballistic missile on June 4, an action that immediately attracted international attention. China's nuclear arsenal has long been shrouded in a high level of secrecy. The detailed disclosure this time far exceeded external expectations, and the strategic signals released behind it are thought-provoking.

Firstly, the core parameters have been made public: CCTV first confirmed that the DF-5 can carry a thermonuclear warhead with a yield of up to 4 million tons of TNT (equivalent to 200 times the Hiroshima atomic bomb), a maximum range of 12,000 kilometers (covering the U.S. mainland and Western Europe), and an accuracy within 500 meters. Such specific strategic performance data were previously considered absolutely confidential.

As the "first-generation strategic intercontinental ballistic missile" developed by China in the 1970s and put into service in 1981, the DF-5 (fixed silo-based launch) is still described in official terms as having reliable deterrence capabilities. The confirmation of its large yield and effective range challenges the simplistic judgment that it is "old-fashioned."

The transparency of dimensions and weight reveals precise physical dimensions (32.6 meters in length, 3.35 meters in diameter) and launch weight (183 tons), details that were rarely mentioned before.

This high-profile public display of the old-model DF-5 goes beyond showcasing a single weapon, releasing multiple key signals:

Firstly, the most critical signal lies in its suggestive nature — actively disclosing the relatively "old" DF-5 implies that China already possesses and deploys more advanced and powerful strategic nuclear missile systems. As analysts pointed out, this rare "self-disclosure" logically points to China holding "stronger capabilities not yet shown to the world." Systems like the DF-41 (solid fuel, mobile launch, multiple warheads), and the next-generation JL-3 submarine-launched missiles are the pillars of current and future nuclear deterrence. Publicizing the DF-5 is akin to showing the "face-up cards," implying that the "hidden cards" possess even greater power.

Secondly, publishing precise ranges (covering the U.S. mainland) and large yields (4 million tons of TNT) clearly and unambiguously informs potential adversaries: even the earliest Chinese intercontinental missiles retain real, effective, and reliable destructive strike capabilities that should not be underestimated. The emphasis on 500-meter accuracy also indicates its ability to strike high-value hard targets.

Thirdly, breaking the decades-long tradition of high confidentiality and choosing to actively disclose key data itself reflects a strong strategic confidence. This demonstrates significant progress in China's nuclear force construction, with full confidence in the effectiveness of its nuclear deterrence, believing that publicly revealing some information does no harm to its security but can enhance the deterrent effect.

Fourthly, a warning to potential adversaries: in the complex and ever-changing international security environment, this move can be seen as a clear warning to potential strategic competitors, conveying the message that "China possesses reliable and modern second-strike capabilities," aiming to deter any possible strategic misjudgment or adventurism.

China's unusual public disclosure of detailed parameters of the DF-5 intercontinental missile this time is far from simple military popularization. Its core intention is to use the "publication of old models" as a medium to send a strong signal to the world about the modernization of China's nuclear arsenal and the enhancement of deterrence capabilities. The most notable inference is that China aims to demonstrate that it has deployed more advanced intercontinental missile systems than those publicly disclosed. This marks a new historical phase for China's nuclear deterrence, while maintaining the principle of "minimum nuclear deterrence," showing its determination and capability to ensure national strategic security with greater transparency and confidence. The international community needs to carefully interpret the profound strategic changes behind this signal.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7514141078564389376/

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