Insight: China ups the ante by firing missiles into troubled waters
Despite muddled details from official sources, it is believed that China’s Southern Theatre Command recently fired multiple anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) into the disputed South China Sea.
This is hugely significant since it is the first time that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has done so. It would reflect an even more vigorous escalation in Chinas claims and ambitions to keep foreign powers at bay in the maritime area.
Bates Gill, professor of Asia-Pacific security studies at the Department of Security Studies and Criminology at Macquarie University in Australia, told Shephard: ‘This is a very big deal. It
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from China Rising: Special Report
-
![Chinese shipbuilder launches ‘combat-ready’ JARI USV]()
Chinese shipbuilder launches ‘combat-ready’ JARI USV
The No. 716 Research Institute of the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) launched a long-awaited USV on 21 August, according to an announcement on the …
-
![Is the ‘Red Dragon’ fearsome or friendly?]()
Is the ‘Red Dragon’ fearsome or friendly?
If Beijing’s leaders and its numerous mouthpieces are to be believed, China is a friendly and cuddly panda intent on holding the world together. Then …
-
![Asian nations boost spy satellite capacities]()
Asian nations boost spy satellite capacities
Asian countries continue to enhance their satellite constellations, with China, India and South Korea all making recent announcements in the space realm. China, for instance, …
-
![Analysis: China seeks to dominate the seas]()
Analysis: China seeks to dominate the seas
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) focus as stated by China’s latest Defence White Paper is to build a strong and modernised naval force …
-
![Analysis: China's PLA moves towards expeditionary operations]()
Analysis: China's PLA moves towards expeditionary operations
In possession of the second largest defence budget in the world, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is in the midst of reforming its personnel, …
-
Analysis: China's air force sees shift in strategic mission
China’s shifting focus from traditional security concerns to global power competition has brought along changes in People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s (PLAAF) strategic mission.
