China releases hypersonic missile launch footage as analysts read 'deterrence signal'
China's state broadcaster CCTV has aired footage of hypersonic missile launches. According to SCMP, analysts read the release as a signal designed to strengthen deterrence across the first island chain.
China's state broadcaster CCTV aired hypersonic missile launch footage in a Saturday-evening military news programme. One sequence shows a transporter-erector-launcher parked beside a road, followed by a vertical launch; another shows training drills involving multiple People's Liberation Army units.
According to military analysts quoted by SCMP, the broadcast may be intended to reinforce Beijing's deterrence messaging across the Taiwan Strait and along what is known as the first island chain. Chinese officials say the exercises were routine.
The release follows the United States' decision to deploy mid-range missiles in Japan. Washington reached an agreement with Tokyo last month for a temporary deployment as part of a joint exercise; Beijing called the move « destabilising » for regional stability. Defence ministries in Taiwan and Japan say they are watching the broadcast closely.
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