Why did Xi Jinping inspect the DF-26 brigade?

On 17 October, China’s top leader Xi Jinping inspected a brigade of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA)’s Rocket Force in Anhui. Although the specific missile model used by the brigade was not officially disclosed, CCTV footage revealed that the brigade is equipped with the Dongfeng-26 (DF-26), a new generation of intermediate-range ballistic missiles that China has been actively developing in recent years.

Public data shows that the DF-26 missile is approximately 14 metres long with a diameter of 1.4 metres and a launch weight of 20 tons. It can carry a single 1.8-ton warhead or three independently targetable warheads, with a maximum range of 5,000 kilometres, and has the capability for cross-regional, unsupported mobile launches.

In September 2015, DF-26 made its debut at the parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, and subsequently appeared at the Zhurihe military parade and the National Day military parade celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

In April 2018, Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Wu Qian introduced four characteristics of the DF-26 missile:
— first, China has complete independent intellectual property rights over the weapon, which is independently developed by the country;
— second, it can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads, capable of both rapid nuclear counter-strikes and conventional medium-and-long range precision strikes;
— third, it is capable of launching precision strikes at both critical targets on land and medium- and large-sized vessels at sea; and
— fourth, several new technologies have been applied to the missile, which helps increase its utilisation and improve its integration and informationisation.

After its deployment, the PLA gained the capability to strike the US military base in Guam using intermediate-range missiles. As a result, Chinese military enthusiasts have also nicknamed the DF-26 “Guam Express”.

In August 2020, the PLA successfully launched a DF-26 missile from Qinghai, accurately hitting a moving target vessel in the South China Sea. Thus, the DF-26 is also regarded as China’s next-generation “aircraft-carrier killer” following the DF-21D.

During Xi’s inspection of the brigade, 25 DF-26 missile launch vehicles were shown in the CCTV footage. Among them, 20 were neatly lined up outdoors for review, while five demonstrated the launch process indoors. This shows that a DF-26 missile brigade has at least 25 missile launch vehicles.

It is understood that each launch vehicle is also accompanied by two specialised missile transport vehicles, meaning that each missile launch vehicle is equipped with a total of three missiles. Therefore, a DF-26 missile brigade can potentially fire over 75 missiles at once, capable of destroying one or even multiple aircraft carrier strike groups of an enemy.

Chinese state media reported that Xi learned about the tactical and technical performance of the brigade’s newly introduced weaponry and equipment and examined its training in operating the arms. It noted that Xi was happy to see that the officers and soldiers were skilled in operation, well-trained and in high morale. 

This marks the first time Xi has inspected the Rocket Force since a group corruption case involving its leadership emerged last year, indicating that after a significant leadership overhaul and over a year of rectification, the corruption cases within the Rocket Force have been largely resolved. The Rocket Force has turned the page and regained the recognition of the top leader.

During his inspection of the missile brigade, Xi affirmed the Rocket Force’s reorganisation progress while stressing the importance of maintaining its strategic deterrence. He urged the Rocket Force to master the principles of building and deploying strategic missile units, enhance their ability to deter and fight, and to resolutely complete all missions.

On 25 September this year, the Rocket Force successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile carrying a training dummy warhead into international waters of the South Pacific, accurately hitting the designated area. External observers believed that China’s launch of a strategic missile into the South Pacific for the first time in over 40 years was intended to demonstrate the effectiveness of China’s strategic nuclear strike capability.

Less than a month later, Xi inspected the DF-26 missile brigade, which is capable of both nuclear and conventional strikes, highlighting the supreme leader’s attention to the Rocket Force.

State media quoted Xi as emphasising the need for heightened awareness of potential dangers, crises, and war. He called for comprehensive enhancements in training and preparation for combat, solidifying the combat capabilities of the troops to safeguard national strategic security and core interests effectively.

Xi also stressed adapting to modern warfare; tailoring training to specific tasks, opponents, and environments; and focusing on new equipment, skills and tactics. He urged innovation in utilising and organising strategic forces to maximise the effectiveness of existing weaponry.

Xi’s emphasis on combat readiness and the Rocket Force’s enhanced capabilities signals China’s intention to bolster military preparedness, strengthen nuclear deterrence and discourage potential adversaries, particularly the US, from escalating military tensions.

The past two years have seen persistent global tensions, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Middle Eastern conflicts, escalating US-China rivalry, and regional instability surrounding the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.

Recently, tensions have also escalated on the Korean peninsula. On 11 October, North Korea condemned South Korea for using drones to infiltrate Pyongyang’s airspace to distribute anti-North Korean leaflets. On 15 October, North Korea destroyed sections of roads on the Gyeongui and Donghae lines north of the inter-Korean military demarcation line, prompting the South Korean military to respond with gunfire.

A Toutiao user, “Camouflage-loving Tiger” (爱迷彩的老虎), suggested that state media’s prominent display of the DF-26 missile brigade is a response to the increasingly tense geopolitical climate, particularly the escalating tensions and sabre-rattling on the Korean peninsula.

Against the backdrop of continuous US-South Korean military provocations towards North Korea, the PLA’s display of strategic weaponry undoubtedly sends a clear signal to the outside world that the Korean peninsula must not fall into chaos again.

Chinese public opinion posits that the US is behind the tensions surrounding China. Regardless of the outcome of the US elections this year, the US is expected to continue disrupting China’s rise. Therefore, the PLA must strengthen its training and preparedness for any contingency. This is seen as the primary reason behind Xi’s inspection of the DF-26 missile brigade.

This article was first published in Lianhe Zaobao as “习近平为何视察东风-26导弹旅？”.

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