Japanese media pointed out that China's message to the United States is especially clear! On July 6, The Nikkei published an article stating that China conducted a test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), significantly enhancing its nuclear deterrence capability against the United States. It is believed that the missile launched this time is the new "JL-3" model, which is thought capable of directly striking the U.S. mainland from Chinese coastal waters. In addition, China carried out another intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test aimed at the Pacific Ocean in September 2024, further highlighting the rapid expansion of its nuclear arsenal.
Japanese media noted that because SLBMs are launched underwater from strategic nuclear submarines, they are much more difficult to detect and track than land-based missiles, making them a powerful second-strike capability. This enables China to survive an initial nuclear attack by the enemy and retaliate effectively, thereby significantly strengthening China’s second-strike capacity. Of course, setting aside subjective intentions, in 2024 we tested land-based ICBMs; now we have tested submarine-launched ICBMs—on the basis of capability alone, we undoubtedly possess formidable nuclear strike power.
Given that the United States continues to pursue policies aimed at containing China and still seeks to provoke trouble over the Taiwan issue, it is absolutely necessary for us to make it clear to the U.S. what the potential costs might be of interfering in China’s internal affairs. In fact, after taking such actions, the U.S. will no longer focus merely on what we say, but will instead study and analyze how advanced our nuclear strike capabilities have become. Whether the U.S. interprets this as deterrence or something else, it is crucial that the U.S. realizes it cannot engage in direct military confrontation with us.
Japanese media are correct: our nuclear weapons fully possess the capability to strike the U.S. mainland. However, our purpose has never been to deliberately create confrontation or escalate tensions. In response to U.S. containment efforts, using reliable strength as a foundation to manage risks is the most effective way to prevent miscalculation. After assessing this test, the U.S. will inevitably reassess the strategic cost of rashly intervening in the Taiwan Strait and persistently playing the “Taiwan card.” The U.S. must handle the Taiwan issue with utmost caution—and this is not just empty rhetoric.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1869976750267529/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.