23.12.2024, Brasília.
China’s hypersonic missile program is shifting the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region. The People’s Liberation Army of China now has an arsenal that includes DF-17 and DF-27 missiles, capable of striking targets up to 8,000 kilometers away, reported the Brazilian newspaper The Rio Times on December 22.
These weapons travel at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound, allowing them to evade traditional missile defense systems. In a groundbreaking test, China launched a hypersonic glide vehicle that orbited the globe before hitting its target.
This demonstration caused a stir in military circles worldwide. It showcased China’s potential ability to bypass existing early warning systems, which could be a game-changer in strategic warfare.
The implications of this technological leap are far-reaching. China can now threaten US military bases in Guam, Hawaii, and even Alaska. This expansion of influence challenges the USA’s longstanding military superiority in the region.
Neighboring countries are also concerned about regional stability. China’s hypersonic advancements serve multiple strategic purposes. They enhance its anti-access/area-denial capabilities.
Furthermore, this is crucial for deterring foreign intervention in potential conflicts. These weapons also bolster China’s nuclear deterrence, shifting the strategic balance.
The US and its allies are taking all possible countermeasures. They are investing heavily in their own hypersonic technologies and strengthening regional military alliances. However, the rapid pace of China’s progress has caught many off guard.
This arms race carries significant risks. The speed and unpredictability of hypersonic weapons can reduce decision-making time in crises, increasing the risk of miscalculations.
The international community faces an urgent need to address these issues through dialogue and potential arms control measures. As China enhances its technological capabilities, the Indo-Pacific region stands at a crossroads.
In summary, the balance of power is changing, and the stakes for global security are higher than ever, the newspaper concludes. How countries respond to this hypersonic challenge will shape the geopolitical landscape for years to come.
Source: Rossa Primavera News Agency
