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Updated Feburary 2006
Missile Chronology
1980-1984
18 May 1980
China conducts its first full range test of the DF-5 ICBM from Shuangchengzi missile test center in Gansu Province to a Pacific Ocean impact site. The test flight covers a distance of 6,000 miles. Chinese officials announce that "China's launching of carrier rockets into the Pacific Ocean between May 18 and May 20 was completely successful." The new missiles are able to reach the western United States.
— Robert S. Noris, Andrew S. Burrows, and Richard W. Fieldhouse, Nuclear Weapons Databook: British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, (New York, Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., 1994), p. 335. Jay Mathews, "China's ICBMs Seen as Deterring Soviet Attacks," Washington Post, 22 May 1980, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
21 May 1980
China conducts its second full range test of the DF-5. The test fails as the missile falls 800 miles short of the intended target.
—Robert S. Noris, Andrew S. Burrows, and Richard W. Fieldhouse, Nuclear Weapons Databook: British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, (New York, Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., 1994), p. 335.
August 1980
China test fires the DF-4 missile from the Jingyu missile test center in Jilin Province.
—Robert S. Noris, Andrew S. Burrows, and Richard W. Fieldhouse, Nuclear Weapons Databook: British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, (New York, Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., 1994), p. 335.
October 1980
China test fires the DF-4 missile from the Jingyu missile test center in Jilin Province.
—Robert S. Noris, Andrew S. Burrows, and Richard W. Fieldhouse, Nuclear Weapons Databook: British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, (New York, Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., 1994), p. 335.
30 April 1981
China launches its first Daqingyu-class (U.S. designation: Xia) nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine from Huludao Shipyard in Liaoning Province.
—Robert S. Noris, Andrew S. Burrows, and Richard W. Fieldhouse, Nuclear Weapons Databook: British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, (New York, Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., 1994), p. 335.
21 September 1981
U.S. officials protest Japanese intentions to sell high-tech computers to China. U.S. officials contend the computers could easily be converted from civilian use to military use analyzing the trajectory of ballistic missiles.
—Aviation Week & Space Technology, 21 September 1981, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
21 October 1981
The Chinese Foreign Ministry denies that a submarine exploded during missile firing test in the North China Sea.
—New York Times, 21 October 1981, Page 8, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
7 December 1981
China test launches the DF-5 ICBM from Wuzhai test center in Shaanxi Province.
—Robert S. Noris, Andrew S. Burrows, and Richard W. Fieldhouse, Nuclear Weapons Databook: British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, (New York, Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., 1994), p.335.
17 August 1982
China News Agency reports that China has developed a guided missile destroyer and continues to test weapons for other ships.
—New York Times, 17 August 1982, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
2 October 1982
China announces that it will test fire an unarmed missile into the East China Sea northeast of China later in October 1982. The government warns ships to stay clear of the area.
—New York Times, 2 October 1982, Page 2, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
12 October 1982
China conducts its first underwater launch of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), the Julang-1 (JL1) from Bohai Bay, 150 miles north east of Beijing in the North China Sea.
— Robert S. Noris, Andrew S. Burrows, and Richard W. Fieldhouse, Nuclear Weapons Databook: British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, (New York, Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., 1994), p.335.
17 October 1982
China News Agency reports that China successfully test-fired its first submarine-launched missile in the East China Sea during October 7-16 exercises.
—New York Times, 17 October, Page 15, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
2 November 1982
The New York Times reports that China has signed a deal with Britain to buy Sea Dart missiles and advanced electronic equipment. Deliveries are set to take place over several years.
—Colina Macdougall, "China to buy British missiles," New York Times, 12 November 1982, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
6 December 1982
China buys more than $170 million worth of missiles from the British. The negotiations began in July 1981, at a conference in Shanghai. The missiles are part of a package that includes other naval-oriented weapons systems.
—"China orders $170 Million in British Armaments," Aviation Week & Space Technology, 6 December 1982, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
2 March 1983
China and the Soviet Union conduct talks in an effort to ease tensions between the two countries. China expresses concern regarding Soviet missile deployment targeting China.
—John F. Burns, "Soviet-Chinese Talks are Renewed in Moscow," New York Times, 2 March 1983, in Lexis-Nexis,<http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
3 March 1983
Chinese Defense Minister Zhang Aiping publishes an article expressing views regarding Chinese military spending and development. "Defense funds should be concentrated on those programs which are badly needed and the most important areas which affect the overall situation, such as strategic guided missiles and center for producing nuclear fuel and bombs" he wrote.
—"Around the World, China is Urged to Make Missiles and Bombs," New York Times, Reuters, 4 March 1983, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
14 March 1983
Georgy Arbatov, a member of the Soviet Communist Party's Central Commission, calls for China to be included in negotiations seeking to restrict medium-range nuclear missiles in Asia.
—Cheryl Sullivan, Ed. "Soviets say arms talks in Asia should include China," Christian Science Monitor, 14 Mach, 1983, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
23 March 1983
The Washington Post reports that China has cancelled an arms deal worth more than $150 million with Britain. It is reported that the cost was too high for the Chinese.
—"China Cancels Missile Deal with Britain," Washington Post, 23 March, 1983, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
23 July 1983
The Chinese government lodges a protest with the U.S. regarding arms sales to Taiwan. "The Chinese government hereby lodges a strong protest with the U.S. government against this act which seriously contravenes the above agreement [U.S.-China Joint Communiqué]," proclaimed Zhang Wenjin, Chinese Ambassador to the U.S.
—"Chinese Ambassador to U.S. Lodges Strong Protest Against U.S. Arms Sale to Taiwan," Xinhua General Overseas News Service," 23 July 1983, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
28 July 1983
China launches its first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine. "From what we understand, they [China] did launch a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine sometime last year, but it is not operational yet." China is still developing its SLBMs, and will likely mate them with these submarines. Retired British Admiral John Moore is quoted in Japanese newspapers as saying that China is constructing the second fleet of eight nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines.
—Michael Ross, "China Launches Nuclear Missile Sub," United Press International, 28 July 1983, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
17 September 1983
China asks the Soviet Union to drastically reduce its SS-20 medium range nuclear missiles in Asia. It is the first time China has included the missiles as a major obstacle to normalizing Sino-Soviet relations.
—Michael Ross, "Chinese Call For Soviet Missile Reduction," United Press International, 17 September 1983, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
7 October 1983
China and the Soviet Union open talks aimed at normalizing relations. The Chinese are set to pressure the Soviets regarding Soviet nuclear missiles deployed along China's frontier.
—New York Times, 7 October 1983, Page 1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
25 November 1983
Chinese Foreign Minister Wu Xueqian announces that the Soviet Union must reduce the number of SS-20 missiles deployed in the Far East as a prerequisite to normalization of relations between the two states.
—"China is Seeking Asian Missile Reduction," Japan Economic Newswire, 25 November 1983, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
31 December 1983
The Soviet Union harshly criticizes China for biased analysis of U.S. medium-range missile deployment in Western Europe. The report, published in the military newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda, states that China seems unable to understand how Washington alone has aggravated international tension by deploying the medium-range nuclear weapons.
—Steven R. Reed, "Soviets End Year Criticizing China," United Press International, 31 December 1983, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
9 January 1984
The Reagan administration comes under fire from the Conservative Caucus for easing restrictions on technology transfers to China. Conservative Caucus President Howard Phillips accuses President Reagan of caving to the pressure from business interests. He asserts that access to U.S. technology will make it easier for China to upgrade its missile capabilities.
—Stuart Auerbach, "Conservative Caucus Attacks Reagan; Criticizing Easing of Restrictions on Purchases of High-Technology Items From U.S. by China," Washington Post, 10 January 1984, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
1 February 1984
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qi Huaiyuan comments on U.S. and Soviet missile deployment. "At present the two superpowers are competing with each other to deploy middle-range nuclear missiles in Europe. Under these circumstances, European countries hope that the convening of the Conference on Disarmament in Europe would play a certain role in easing tension in the region." His comments are in regards to the Stockholm Conference on Disarmament taking place in Europe.
—"Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman on Stockholm Conference on Disarmament," Xinhua General Overseas News Service, 1 February 1984, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
13 February 1984
U.S. customs agents arrest five persons in New Jersey for conspiring to smuggle more than $1 million in classified high-technology military equipment for missile guidance, radar jamming and electronic surveillance to China.
—Maureen Dowd, New York Times, 13 February, 1984, Page 1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
14 February 1984
Bail is set at $1.5 million for Da-Chuan Zheng who is accused of plotting to smuggle up to $1 million of missile-guidance and radar jamming equipment to China. Jing Li Zhang, Kuang-Shin Lee, Kwong Allen Yeung, and David Tsai were all charged in the case.
—New York Times, 14 February 1984, Page 3, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
4 April 1984
Chinese Foreign Minister Wu Xueqian denounces the Soviet deployment of SS-20 missiles in the Far East, saying "The deployment of additional SS-20 missiles was regarded as a practical threat to the Security of China."
—"Foreign Minister Denounces Soviet Missiles," Japan Economic Newswire, 5 April 1984, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
8 April 1984
China successfully launches a permanently orbiting satellite. The satellite was launched on a three-stage launcher with a refined guidance system. The system far exceeds the firing capabilities of China's most advanced ICBMs.
—Michael Weisskopf, "China Orbits Satellite for Communication; Military Implications Seen in Breakthrough," Washington Post, 19 April 1984, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
27 April 1984
Chinese diplomats express concerns regarding the arms race between the Soviet Union and the U.S. in talks with President Reagan in Beijing. Zhao Ziyang tells U.S. officials that "if the two sides continue their deployment of these missiles there will inevitably be a progressive escalation of the arms race in Europe which will aggravate the international tension."
—Mark Baker, "Chinese Leader Lectures Reagan," Financial Times, 27 April 1984, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
5 June 1984
Chinese Defense Minister Zhang Aiping says that China wants to buy advanced weapons and technology from the United States and other friendly countries in an attempt to continue the modernization of the Chinese military. Continuing talks with the U.S. include early-warning radar, air defense systems, and anti-tank missiles.
—"Chinese Official to Visit West for High-Technology Arms," Christian Science Monitor, 6 June 1984, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
6 June 1984
Yuri Dergachov, a Soviet commentator, warns the U.S. about selling advanced technology to China, which could be used for advanced weaponry. Mr. Dergachov warned that China might use advanced U.S. computers, microprocessors, and nuclear power technology to improve its intercontinental ballistic missiles.
—David Buchan, "Soviet Warning over U.S. sales to China," Financial Times, 7 June 1984, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
12 June 1984
Secretary of Defense Caspar W. Weinberger announces that the United States and China have reached an agreement regarding U.S. weapons sales. The Chinese request that the details of the talks remain private. The U.S. and China discussed anti-tank missiles, and the potential for the U.S. to provide China with high technology to improve artillery ammunition. Weinberger states that anti-tank missiles may be sold to China in the future.
—Richard Halloran, "Weinberger and Chinese Aide in Accord," New York Times, 12 June 1984, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
12 June 1984
Han Huaizhi, Assistant to the PLA Chief of General Staff, announces the formation of a strategic missile wing. "Rapid advances in military technology have made it necessary for the PLA to raise its combined attacking ability. Only in this way would it be able to win battles in the coming anti-aggressive war to defend socialist construction and world peace."
—"Chinese Missile Wing Formed," Xinhua General Overseas News Service, 12 June 1984, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
15 June 1984
The U.S. and China have not been able to reach a formal agreement on an arms package. Zhang Aiping, the Chinese Defense Minister, ends talks in Washington before the U.S. and China are able to reach an agreement over the sale of U.S. antiaircraft missiles and anti-tank weapons.
—Richard Halloran, "Chinese Aide Leaves Washington Without Formal Arms Sales Pact," New York Times, 15 June 1984, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
27 July 1984
A U.S. federal judge dismisses charges against two Chinese and three Americans accused of smuggling more than $1 million worth of radar jamming and missile-guidance equipment to China. Judge H. Lee Sarokin concluded that they had been "charged with an act that does not constitute a crime."
—"Judges Dismisses Charge in Chinese Export Case," New York Times, 27 July 1984, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
28 July 1984
Li Yimang, President of the official Chinese Association for International Understanding, pledges that China will scale down its nuclear arsenal if the two superpowers take the lead, noting that the Chinese force is only a deterrent against "nuclear blackmail." According to analysts, China has a nuclear arsenal that includes ICBMs with a range of 8,000 miles.
—Ann Scott, "China Asks Tit-For-Tat Nuke Cuts," United Press International, 28 July 1984, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
15 August 1984
Chinese State Councilor Ji Pengfei voices objections to U.S. nuclear cruise missiles in the Pacific Fleet. Ji disclosed his position on Tomahawk missiles to a visiting group of Japanese Socialist Party legislators.
—"China opposes U.S. Missiles," Washington Post, 17 August 1984, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
27 August 1984
Chinese President Li Xianian and Romanian President Nicolae Ceausescu call jointly for the U.S and Soviet Union to halt deployment of medium range nuclear missiles. They call for the resumption of talks between the superpowers regarding the reduction and eradication of all nuclear weapons.
—"Chinese, Romanian seek halt on medium-range missiles," Christian Science Monitor, 29 August 1984, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
26 September 1984
Chinese Foreign Minister Wu Xueqian, in an address delivered before the U.N. General Assembly, demands the U.S. and Soviet Union resume arms talks and destroy their arsenals of deployed nuclear missiles. "The two superpowers ought to bear the responsibility. It is they who posses over 95% of the world's total nuclear weaponry, and they alone are in a position to fight a nuclear war" he said.
—John Usher, "China Demands Destruction of U.S., Soviet Nuclear Missiles," United Press International, 26 September 1984, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
1 October 1984
In National Day celebrations, China displays a broad range of artillery, armor and missiles, along with more than 6,000 marching soldiers. Chinese intercontinental ballistic missiles, medium-range ballistic missiles, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles are all on display. Western analysts note that the equipment looks old, but generally in good shape. Analysts also notice the similarity between some of the Chinese equipment and Israeli equipment, including a sea-launched cruise missile similar to Israel's Gabriel.
—Michael Weiskopf, "China Displays Might, Eschews Military Move on Taiwan," Washington Post, 2 October 1984, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
16 October 1984
China opens a defense exhibit in Athens displaying models, photos, and videos of battle proven Chinese weaponry. The display includes military electronics, ordinance weapons, tactical missiles, and warships.
—"Exhibition of Chinese Defense Industry Held in Athens," Xinhua General Overseas News Service, 20 October 1984, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
29 October 1984
The People's Daily reports that China now has an adequate nuclear combat capability to counter a surprise attack. The report suggests that China is completing deployment of intermediate and long-range missile forces.
—"China Now Has Capability to Counter Surprise Attack," Japanese Economic Newswire, 29 October 1984, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
This
material is produced independently for NTI by the James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and
does not necessarily reflect the opinions of and has not been independently
verified by NTI or its directors, officers, employees, agents. Copyright © 2008
by MIIS.
