China has achieved some enviable level of economic development and is now looking to
replicate the same feat with its armed forces even as it strives to take the huge leap from
being a regional leader to becoming a global superpower.
To accomplish this, China is taking a “multifaceted approach to technology acquisition” to help
strengthen its military capacity.
This involves partnerships between civil-military entities and sourcing technologies from foreign
companies with a strong presence in China.
On the back of these developments, many analysts, including a US intelligence source, believe
that China is “on the verge of fielding some of the most modern weapon systems in
the world."
There are also rumors that the Asian giant is well ahead of other military forces, including
the Pentagon in some areas.
We can not confirm or deny this.
But Could It Be True?
It’s quite difficult to weigh China’s military strength.
Of course, China is the world’s most populous country, so as expected; it has the largest
military force in the world.
But, warfare is an extraordinary event where numbers don't exactly count as an advantage.
To buttress this point, Chinese troops are ranked as the third most lethal military force
in the world, behind the United States and Russia.
China has the greater number of soldiers; however, the US and Russia have far more sophisticated
military weapons.
Also, China is notorious for under-reporting its military expenditure.
The Chinese defense budget is published from time to time.
However, the West believes that the reported figures are inconsistent and altered to be
lower than the original amount spent.
Also, the Chinese army is generally modest, so you don't get to see their might on display
often.
However, during a military parade to celebrate the country's 70th anniversary, President
Xi Jinping unveiled some of its most deadly and advanced war tools.
Since then, several pictures and clips have surfaced online, seemingly emphasizing China’s
overwhelming military strength to anyone and everyone who cares to watch.
In today’s video, we'll take a close look at some of the most dangerous Chinese military
technology and weapons we’ve seen.
Also, we’ll be discussing the consequences of China's recent military advancements.
Electromagnetic Railgun
An electromagnetic railgun is an artillery that's capable of launching long-range projectiles
at a top speed of over 5,400 miles per hour.
For perspective, a handheld railgun would deal the same damage as an air rifle.
The US Navy has spent more than $500 million developing this technology since 2005.
However, the project was abandoned in 2021 for reasons best known to the hierarchy.
In contrast, China is actively pursuing technological developments in this area, and according to
China’s Global Times, the trials have been successful so far.
And these powerful battering machines could be installed in Chinese warships as early
as 2025.
The technology behind railgun could also be used to develop electromagnetic catapults
for future Chinese aircraft carriers.
VT-4
For many years, Chinese tanks have been considered below par, especially when compared to their
American counterparts.
Largely because the tanks and the technology behind them were copied from foreign prototypes,
this is a common occurrence between most countries anyway.
But, it’s widely believed that the Chinese are more culpable.
The situation hasn't changed much; however, there are a few tanks that deviate from this
rule.
Unlike many early-age Chinese tanks, the VT-4 is somewhat on a different level with the
sheer amount of innovation and technological advancements that were deployed in making
it.
Alternatively called the BT-3,000, this third-generation tank weighs 52 tonnes and has a top speed
of 43 miles per hour.
In the past, China has supplied Pakistan and Nigeria with VT-4 tanks.
And according to reports, the West African country deploys it from time to time in tackling
Boko Haram, a local terrorist group.
Type 99 Tanks The Type 99 or ZTZ-99 tank is China’s first-ever
mass-produced battle tank.
This American M1A2 armored carrier lookalike is regarded as the “largest and most advanced
battle tank” used by the People's Liberation Army Ground Forces.
The Type 99 tank features upgraded “armor packages, larger-caliber cannons, improved
fire-control systems, and advanced electronics and communications.”
Additionally, it is powered by a 1500 horsepower turbo diesel engine, meaning it's quicker
than the M1A2 tank.
Dongfeng-17 The Dongfeng-17, or DF-17 for short, is an
ultra-modern ballistic missile with strong penetration and impeccable accuracy.
It is designed to work with hypersonic glide vehicles, which makes it difficult for missile
defense systems to track or destroy it.
Also, the DF-17 is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear payloads.
This has reportedly caused panic within the United States military ranks and the intelligence
community.
“We don’t have any defense that could deny the employment of such a weapon against
us,” General John Hyten, vice-chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said.
Harbin Z-20 Here's another testament to China’s copy
and paste methodology in building military equipment.
The Harbin Z-20 has a striking resemblance with the American Sikorsky UH-60, popularly
called the Black Hawk.
The Chinese government reportedly bought some Black Hawks helicopters from the United States
back in the 1980s when the relationship between both countries was still rosy.
Experts believe that those Black Hawks served as a template for the creation of Harbin Z-20
choppers.
Some critics have also referred to this military utility chopper as the “Copy Hawk,” but
the Chinese wouldn't mind because with a payload of 5,000kg, the Harbin Z-20 literally delivers
the goods.
Xian H-6N
Designed as an upgraded variant of the H-6 family, the Xian H-6 is a long-range nuclear
strategic bomber capable of carrying anti-ship and land-attack nuclear missiles underneath
its belly.
It stole the show with its performance during the military parade event at China’s 70th-anniversary
celebration and is seen as a huge threat to the United States nuclear carriers and other
warships operating in the western Pacific region.
Right before we move on to the last section, if you've made it this far, make sure to like
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Dongfeng-41 Many believe that the Dongfeng-41 is China’s
most lethal military weapon.
This intercontinental ballistic missile is revered as the world’s longest-range projectile,
even ahead of the US LGM-30 Minuteman.
Unconfirmed rumors suggest that the Dongfeng-41 can travel from China to the US within 30
minutes.
It has a maximum speed of 19,000 miles per hour and the ability to carry up to 10 independently
targetable nuclear warheads.
Sky Hawk Stealth Drone
The Sky Hawk is an autonomous stealth drone that offers a number of unprecedented high-tech
features which includes communicating with manned aircraft during operations and surveillance.
And just like the DF-17 missiles, the Sky Hawk drone is incredibly difficult to detect
with conventional rocket missile systems.
“Battlefields of the future will be very intense and confrontational, and stealthy
drones like the Sky Hawk will have a huge role to play,” Ma Hongzhong, Chief engineer
at China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, said.
What Are The Consequences Of China’s Latest Military Upgrades?
While most of these weapons are mostly untested, and China itself hasn’t gone to war in over
four decades.
Many have tagged its recent military advancements as bad news for the US and other countries.
China usually takes a non-confrontation approach to disputes and war-related situations with
other countries.
However, there are fears that the Asian giant might answer the call of war now that it has
more sophisticated weapons.
In the words of US Senator Angus King, “the implications of these weapons under development
by China or Russia could be catastrophic.”
Senior Chinese Colonel Zhou, who served in different positions at the Guangzhou Air Force
Regional Command, argues that there’s no cause for alarm.
"China has no intention of policing the world, unlike the United States," he said.
However, his comment didn’t do much to convince President Joe Biden, who admitted in October
2021 that he was concerned about the recent developments in China’s nuclear arms capability.
There’s a perceived lack of trust between China and the United States; the tension continues
to boil on both sides.
Meanwhile, the global arms race is quickly heating up, too; we can only hope that we’re
not in for any unpleasant surprises.
What do you think about China’s latest military weapons?
Should the US and the rest of the world be scared?
Let us know in the comment section.
Be sure to check out this video over here, “Russia's Nuclear Powered Supercarrier Will
Blow Your Mind.”