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Updated March 2009
Missile Chronology
2005-2009
18 January 2005
The New York Times reports that in January 2005 the U.S. State Department issued a one page notice in the Federal Register identifying eight companies sanctioned by the Bush administration for transferring missile-related technology to Iran in violation of the 2000 Iran Nonproliferation Act. Among the companies punished include China North Industry Corporation (NORINCO), China Great Wall Industry, and China Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC). The Federal Register notice did not disclose the specific technology believed to have been transferred.
— David E. Sanger, "U.S. is Punishing 8 Chinese Firms for Aiding Iran," The New York Times, 18 January 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexis-nexis.com.
18 February 2005
Senior U.S. intelligence officials tell the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence that China is significantly enhancing its missile capability in order to strengthen its hand in the Taiwan Strait and the region more generally. CIA Director Porter J. Goss tells the committee that China continues to develop more robust survivable nuclear-armed missiles… for use in regional conflict." DIA Director Vice Admiral Lowell Jacoby testifies that China's is increasing the capability and numbers of its ballistic missile arsenal in order to "enhance their coercion and deterrence value and overcome ballistic missile defense systems."
—Bill Gertz, "Chinese Military Buildup Assessed as Threat to U.S.," The Washington Times, 18 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexis-nexis.com; Eric Schmit, "Rumsfeld Warns of Concern About Expansion of China's Navy," The New York Times, 18 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.
18 March 2005
Ukraine's prosecutor-general Svyatoslav Piskun tells the Financial Times that Ukraine exported 6 of its X-55 (Kh-55) cruise missiles to China in 2001. Prosecutor-general Piskun says that a Ukranian businessman had been arrested last year for making the export and that the deal had been orchestrated by two Russian businessmen. The X-55 has a range of 3000km, giving China the ability to use it to target countries as far away as Japan.
—Ukraine Admits Exporting Missiles to Iran, China, The Financial Times, 18 March 2005, in OSC Document ID EUP20050318000151.
3 May 2005
Chinese Communist Party Central Committee Taiwan Work Office Deputy Director Wang Zaixi says that Beijing is willing discuss its "missile issue" with Taipei as long as such negotiations occur under the pretext of the "one-China" principle.
—Xinhua News Agency, 3 May 2005, in "Ready to" Discuss Missile Issue with Taiwan under one-China," BBC Monitoring, 3 May 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.
18 May 2005
According to Jane's Defence Weekly, China's Poly Technogies has built a prototype stage FB-6A Missile Launch Vehicle mobile air defense system. The system is said to be "nearly identical" to United States Boeing Avenger air defense system.
—Christopher F. Foss, "China Develops FB-6A Air Defence System," Jane's Defence Weekly, 18 May 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.
4 June 2005
During the first session of the Shangri-la Dialogue security forum held at the Shangri-la Hotel in Singapore, U.S Defense Secretary of State Donald Rumsfeld criticizes China for lack of transparency on the amount its military spending. During his speech Rumsfeld asks "Since no nation threatens China, one wonders: Why this growing investment? Why these continuing large and expanding arms purchases?"
—David Boey, "U.S. Blasts China's Defence Spending; Rumsfeld Also Questions Why Beijing Has So Many Missiles Aimed at Taiwan," The Straits Times (Singapore), 5 June 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.
18 June 2005
According to Japanese government sources China test launches its Ju Lang-2 submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from a nuclear submarine in waters near Qingdao. The SLBM, whose technology is based off the Dong Feng 31 intercontinental ballistic missile, lands in a Chinese desert several thousand kilometers away.
—China Test-Fires New Submarine-Launched Missile, The Daily Yomiuri, 18 June 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.
14 July 2005
Major Gen. Zhu Chengdu, a dean at China's National Defense University, tells The Wall Street Journal and The Financial Times that "if the Americans draw their missiles and position-guided ammunition into the target zone on China's territory, I think we will have to respond with nuclear weapons." Maj. Gen Zhu made the comments The Chinese Foreign and Defense Ministries declined to comment in response to Major-Gen. Zhu's remarks.
—Joseph Kahn, "Chinese General Threatens Use of A-Bombs if U.S. Intrudes," The New York Times, 15 July 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Chua Chin Hon, "China General's Nuke Threat; Says if U.S. Attacked China Over Taiwan, It Could Hit Back with Nukes," Strait Times (Singapore), 16 July 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.
1 September 2005
The Information Office of China's State Council issues a white paper on Beijing's official nonproliferation policy entitled "China's Endeavors for Arms Control, Disarmament and Nonproliferation." The document states with regards to missile proliferation that "China advocates the establishment of a fair and non-discriminatory multilateral mechanism universally accepted by the international community in the field of missile non-proliferation." The white paper also says that while China is not a member of the Hague Code of Conduct Against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCOC) it is making "joint efforts" with all subscribing states and relevant parties to prevent ballistic missile proliferation.
—Xinhua News Agency, 1 September 2005, in "Chinese Agency Carries "Text" of White Paper on Arms Control, Nonproliferation," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 1 September 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.
14 October 2005
After the successful of China's Shenzou-6 manned spacecraft on 12 October, the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roskosmos) issues a statement on its official website which says that "Russia does not cooperate with China in the field of missile technologies."
—Interfax-AVN Military News Agency website, 13 October 2005 in "Russia Has not Helped China with Rocket Technology- Space Agency, BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 14 October 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.
18-20 October 2005
U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld travels to Beijing and becomes part of the first U.S. delegation to visit the headquarters of China's nuclear armed forces, the Second Artillery. During his trip Rumsfeld tells a symposium at the Chinese Military Academy for Science that China's expanding ballistic missile forces gives "cause for concern" among "a number of countries with interests in this region." Second Artillery commander General Jing Zhiyuan assures Rumsfeld that China will abide by its "no first use" policy with regards to its nuclear weapons. The U.S. Department of Defense also asked to visit China's military command center in Western Hills but this request was turned down.
—Thom Shanker, Rumsfeld Tells China its Military Buildup Worries Neighbors, The New York Times, 21 October 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "Rumsfeld's Parting Shot; 'China is Expanding its Ballistic Missile Forces and Those Forces are Enabled to Reach Many Areas of the World, Well Beyond the Pacific Region… a Number of Countries… are Asking Questions About China's Intentions,'" The Straits Times (Singapore), 21 October 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Bill Gertz, "China's Military Center Off-Limits; Beijing Won't Allow Rumsfeld to Tour Western Hills," The Washington Times, 15 October 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.
26 December 2005
U.S. State Department spokesman Adam Ereli announces that the Bush administration has imposed new sanctions on Chinese companies it believes have aided Iran's missile program. The companies include North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), China Aero-technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC), Hongdu Aviation Industry Group, the Limmt Metallurgy and Minerals Company, Ounion (Asia) International Economic and Technical Cooperation Ltd. and the Zibo Chemet Equipment Company. The sanctions economic impact will likely be limited however, due to the fact that the companies are already barred from doing business with the United States.
—Bill Gertz, "U.S. Puts Sanctions on Chinese Firms for Aiding Tehran," The Washington Times, 27 December 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; David E. Sanger, "U.S. to Punish 9 Companies Said to Help Iran on Arms," The New York Times, 28 December 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.
14 January 2006
China's participation in the European Union's Galileo
global navigation system raises serious security issues with the United States.
Galileo technology could improve precision-strike capabilities of China's
new land-attack and anti-ship cruise missiles, long-range surface-to-air
missiles, and anti-radiation missiles currently under development.
The
Chinese government has already invested about $240 million in the project.
—Seth G. Jones and F. Stephen Larrabee, "Let's Avoid
Another Trans-Atlantic Feud," The International Herald Tribune, 14
January 2006, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexisnexis.com.
17 January 2006
Jane's Defense Weekly reports that the PLA is
equipping its 600km-range DF-15 (CSS-6) short-range ballistic missile and the
DF-21 (CSS-5) 2,150km-range, or 2,500km for the DF-21A model, medium-range
ballistic missile with terminal guidance capabilities. The latest version, the
DF-21C is likely to be equipped with maneuvering re-entry vehicles (MRVs) with
radar or infra-red seekers.
—Ted Parsons, "China Develops
Anti-Ship Missiles," Jane's Defence Weekly, 17 January 2006.
20 January 2006
The Washington Times reports that
the United States government prepares to cease cooperation with
China in the area of space technology. The concerns arose around a Chinese proposal that calls for
joint U.S.-China space rescue operations. The Pentagon fears the Chinese will use the cooperation to
enhance their military space and missile programs and anti-satellite
weapons capabilities.
—Bill Gertz, Rowan Scarborough, "Space
Initiative," The Washington Times, 20 January 2006, in Lexis-Nexis,
www.lexisnexis.com.
9 February – 17 May, 2006
On 9 February, a Florida federal grand jury indicts two men charged with attempted
illegal export of military equipment to China. Ko-Suen Moo, a Taiwanese South
Korean citizen, and Maurice Serge Voros, a French national, have been accused of
violations of the Arms Export Control Act including the attempted export of an
F-16 fighter jet engine, Blackhawk helicopter engines, cruise missiles, and
air-to-air missiles to the PRC, and face sentences of up to 20 years in
prison.
On 11 March, the Albany, NY Federal District Court indicts Jun Wang of Albany, for conspiracy to violate the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and the Export Administration Act. Wang allegedly tried to export electronics used in unmanned aerial vehicle, missile, and torpedo flight control systems to China without an export license.
On 17 May Ko-Suen Moo pleads guilty to being a covert Chinese agent, conspiracy to broker
and export U.S. defense items and attempting to pay a $500,000 bribe to win release from
custody. Moo faces up to 30 years in prison and fines of $2 million at
sentencing, which was not immediately scheduled.
—"Two Charged in Plot to Export Missile Components and Military Aircraft Engines to
People's Republic of China," US Fed News Service, Including US
State News, 9 February, 2006, in Proquest, www.proquest.com; Jerry
Seper, "Two Indicted in China Weapons Plot, Arms Export Act Violations
Cited," The Washington Times, 11 February, 2006, in Lexis Nexis
www.lexisnexis.com; "Man Charged in Plot to Illegally Export
Technology with Missile, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Applications to China, US
Fed News Service, Including US State News, 23 March, 2006, in Proquest,
www.proquest.com; Curt Anderson, "Taiwan Man Pleads Guilty in Arms
Case," Associated Press Online, 17 May 2006, in Lexis-Nexis
www.lexisnexis.com.
1 March 2006
Army Lt. Gen. Michael Maples tells the Senate Arms Services Committee that "one of
China's top military priorities is to strengthen and modernize its strategic nuclear
deterrent force by increasing its size, accuracy and survivability," and that
Chinese missile expansion will "enhance their coercion and deterrence value and overcome
ballistic missile defenses." Gen. Maples also said that Beijing is building a submarine-launched ballistic
missile, the 8,000-mile range JL-2, and has been flight-testing it and two other long-range
missiles. Deployment is expected in the next four years.
—Bill Gertz, "Expanded influence seen as Chinese military goal," The
Washington Times, 1 March 2006, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexisnexis.com.
3 March 2006
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND)
estimates that 700-800 Chinese DF-11 (M-11) and DF-15 (M-9) short-range
ballistic missiles (SRBM) are targeting Taiwan. The missiles are located at
Leping and Ganxian in Jinagxi province; at Meizhou in Guangdong province; and at
Yongan and Xianyou in Fujian province. Taiwan's MND estimates that the
number of missiles will be increased to 1,800 by 2010.
—Wendell Minick, "Taiwanese MND warns if increased ballistic missile threat by 2010,"
Jane's Missiles and Rockets, 3 March, 2006.
7 March 2006
On Saturday China announces an increase of its military budget for
this year by14.7 percent, to 283.8 billion Yuan (35.1 billion dollars). Chinese
Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing defends the rising of China's military
budget, claiming that China's rapid development would pose no threat to other
nations. Taiwan's Defence Ministry responds stating that China has deployed 784
missiles targeting Taiwan. Chen Chang-hua, intelligence officer of the defense
ministry says, "With those weapons, the mainland is capable of launching five
rounds of attacks for consecutively 10 hours at our airports' runways, power
generation plants and military logistic units."
—"China defends military spending, claiming it poses no threat," Deutsche
Presse-Agentur, 7 March 2006, in Lexis-Nexis,
www.lexisnexis.com.
7 April 2006
The PLA successfully tests a new surface-to-air missile system
(SAM) at a desert site in northwestern China. Two targets were destroyed, one
simulating a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft and the other simulating a
missile of unspecified type. The missiles are believed to be an improved version
of the HQ-9 SAM.
—"China's PLA tests Patriot-class
SAM," Jane's Missiles and Rockets, 7 April 2006.
10 April, 2006
Aviation Week and Space Technology reports that a
radar-guided version of the Chinese C-701 cruise missile was recently tested in
Iran during military exercises. Recent military cooperation between China and
Iran includes transfers of C-701 and C-802 anti-ship cruise missiles, called the
Kosar and Noor in Iran, respectively. The C-701 with radar-guided capabilities
was first exhibited in 2004 by China Precision Machinery Import-Export Company
at an air show in Zhuhai, China.
—Douglas Barrie, "Firing Away;
Missile In Iranian Exercise Underscores Extent of Guided-Weapon Ties Between
Tehran and Beijing," Aviation Week and Space Technology, 10 April
2006, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexisnexis.com.
1 May 2006
China buys Vympel RW-AE AA-12 'Adder' advanced radar
active-homing air-to-air missiles from Russia. China already bought 1,500 and
will procure an additional 100 in 2006. The RW-AE will be equipped to the Su-27,
the Su-30MKK, and the Su-30MK2 aircraft in Chinese service.
—David Isby, "China buys air-to-air missiles from Russia," Jane's
Missiles and Rockets, 1 March, 2006.
18 May 2006
Jane's Missiles and Rockets reports that according to a
report by the Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense, China's
ground-launched land-attack cruise missile (LACM) capability is now operational.
The 821st Missile Brigade of the PLA is Luorong, Guangxi province, is
in charge of the new cruise missiles. The type of the LACM is believed to be the DH-10.
—David Isby, "Chinese LACMs Enter Service,"
Jane's Missiles and Rockets, 18 May, 2006.
23 May 2006
The Pentagon releases its annual report to congress on China's
military power. The report states that China's future military strategy,
although the primary focus remains on Taiwan, aims at enhancing its power
projection capabilities in order to increase its influence in Asia. According to
the Pentagon's report, the PLA will focus on long range targets by
developing new long-range cruise missiles, precision weapons, guidance systems
and anti-satellite (ASAT) capabilities. Furthermore, it highlights Chinese
weapon purchases from Russia including the Novator 3M54E (SS-N27B Sizzler)
anti-ship missile and the S-300PMU2 long-range air-defense system.
In
addition, China is upgrading its nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles
(ICBM). The new three-stage, road-mobile, solid fueled, 7,250km range DF-31 will
become operational this year, while the 11,270km range DF-31A will become
operational next year. Moreover, the JL-2 submarine launched ballistic missile
(SLBM), which will primarily be deployed in the new Type-094 submarines, will
follow by 2010.
—Ann Scott Tyson, "Fortifying Its Long-Range
Military Arsenal," The Washington Post, 24 May 2006, in Lexis-Nexis
www.lexisnexis.com; Robert Wall, Douglas Barrie, "Missile
Movement: China Progresses with Long-Range Ballistic Air Defense Missile
Modernization," Aviation Week & Space Technology, 29 May 2006,
in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexisnexis.com.
13 June, 2006
The U.S. government issues sanctions on four Chinese companies and one U.S. company
under Executive Order 13382, for supplying Iran's military with
missile-related and other dual-use components. The Chinese companies are
Beijing Alite Technologies Company Ltd., LIMMT Economic and Trade Company Ltd.,
China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), and China Precision Machinery
Import-Export Company, while the U.S. company, G.W. Aerospace Co., is a U.S.
representative office of CGWIC. The sanctions prohibit transactions between the
designated companies and U.S. entities, and freeze the companies' assets
in U.S. jurisdictions. All four Chinese companies have been sanctioned by the
U.S. government in the past for similar activities, under the Iran
Nonproliferation Act and other executive orders.
—Jane Morse,
"State Dept: US, Chinese Companies Sent Missile Parts to Iran, Treasury
Says," US Fed News Service, Including US State News, 13 June 2006,
in Proquest www.proquest.com.
28 July 2006
The Armed wing of Hezbollah fires a radar-guided C-802 anti-ship cruise missile at an
Israeli naval gunboat blockading Lebanon. The supply trail goes from China to
Iran, and into Lebanon through Syria. Influenced by the U.S. use of long-range,
land-attack cruise missiles during Operation Desert Storm, China and Iran
started developing similar weapon systems. Iran started importing Chinese C-802
anti ship cruise missiles. By 1996 when China suspended the deal due to U.S.
pressure, Iran had received about 75 of the expected 150 missiles. The C-802
can carry a 165kg warhead over a range of 120km.
—Michael Richardson,
"The Arms Trade Delivers to Lebanon," South China Morning
Post, 28 July, 2006, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexisnexis.com; "China
Does Not Deny Hezbollah Used its Missile to Attack Israel – U.S.
Senator," China Business News On-Line, 11 August, 2006, in
Lexis-Nexis www.lexisnexis.com.
3 August 2006
The first
of the new Chinese Type 051C Luzhou-class guided missile destroyer (DDG)
Shijiazhuang, currently fitted in Dalian, is believed to have a tactical missile
defense (TMD) capability and is able to defeat air threats. It is expected to
join the Northern fleet for missile-defense duties. The main armament consists
of 48 S-300F (SA-N-6 'Grumble-C') surface-to-air missiles.
—David Isby, "Chinese Luzhou-class Construction Points
to TMD capability," Jane's Missiles and Rockets, 3 August 2006.
5 September 2006
China tests a Dongfeng-31 ICBM, from the
Wuzhai launch site to an impact site in the Taklimakan desert. China informs
Russia about the test in advance. Russian space control tracks the missile
stating that the head section of the missile flew about 2500 kilometers. The
Dongfeng-31 will be ready for deployment this year, and its improved version,
the Dongfeng-31A, will be put into service in 2007.
—"China Launches One More Intercontinental Ballistic Missile," TASS, 5
September, 2006, in Lexis-Nexis www.lexisnexis.com.
31 October 2006
At China's international air show in Zhuhai, the state-owned
China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) shows its complete
anti-ship missile production line for the first time: The C-701 (YJ-7 in China),
a compact, lightweight missile used by small attack craft or by mobile
land-based batteries; the C-704; the C-801/802 (YJ-8/82), China's most
sophisticated anti-ship missile; and the C-602 (YJ-62), technically an anti-ship
cruise missile. At the show, Chinese Defense Minister Colonel General Cao
Gangchuan shows interest in the new Russian Kh-31P supersonic anti-ship missile,
made by the Tactical Missile Corporation. The Tactical Missile Corporation
already supplies China with such designs as the Kh-31 supersonic anti-ship
missile, the RVV-AE air-to-air missile and the Kh-59 air-to-surface missile.
According to Director General Boris Obnosov, China is also interested in
after-sale servicing.
—Stephanie Wong, "World's Aviation
Industry Gathers For Key Chinese Air Show," Agence France Presse,
31 October, 2006, in Lexis-Nexis www.lexisnexis.com; "Chinese
Military Interested in Russian Missiles," Russia & CIS Military
Newswire, 1 November 2006, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexisnexis.com.
8 November 2006
A former defense contractor and Indian-born citizen, Noshir S. Gowadia, provides
technical assistance to China in developing a cruise missile exhaust system,
including a radar-evading stealth exhaust nozzle. In addition, he helps China modify a
cruise missile so it can intercept U.S. air-to-air missiles. Mr. Gowadia is
charged with spying in a federal indictment released by prosecutors in Hawaii.
He pleads not guilty, and his trial is scheduled for July.
—Bill Gertz, "China Bought Bomber Secrets; Ex-Contractor Charged As Spy,"
The Washington Times, 23 November, 2006, in Lexis-Nexis,
www.lexisnexis.com.
21 November 2006
The U.S.-China Economic Security Review Commission publishes a report stating that
China's military buildup aims at sinking U.S. aircraft carriers and
denying U.S. forces to access to the Asia-Pacific region. Daniel Blumenthal, a
former Pentagon official, commented on the report stating that China's
weapons include ten types of ballistic and cruise missiles, and that
approximately 800 missiles are aimed at Taiwan. According to Blumenthal,
China's new DF-21C ballistic missile is capable of attacking ships at sea
and defeating shipborne missile defenses.
—Bill Gertz, "China
Buildup Seen Aimed At U.S. ships," The Washington Times, 22
November, 2006, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexisnexis.com.
29 December 2006
In its newly released white paper on national
defense, China warns that the situation in Northeast Asia is getting "more
complicated and serious." With U.S.-Japanese efforts to build a regional
missile defense system, as well as a U.S.-Japanese missile being developed,
China believes its position in the region and influence over Taiwan is being
affected negatively. Futhermore, the white paper states that the capabilities of
the PLA's Second Artillery Corps (or SAC, China's strategic nuclear
missile force) increased significantly.
—Edward Cody, "China
Offers a Glimpse of Rationale Behind its Military Policies," The
Washington Post, 30 December 2006, in Lexis-Nexis
www.lexisnexis.com.
5 January 2007
China reveals its newest generation of fighter aircraft, the Jian-10, developed by the China
Aviation Industry Corporation I (AVIC I). Additionally, new fourth-generation
air-to-air missiles are introduced. China is the fourth country in the world to
develop its own advanced fighter aircraft.
—Zhang Yi, Xinhua.
"Chinese Agency Says Jian-10 Fighter Plane "Historic Leap", in
BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, 5 January 2007, in Lexis-Nexis
www.lexisnexis.com.
11 January — 23 March 2007
China conducts an anti-satellite missile test, using a ground-based
medium-range ballistic missile. The missile is launched from Xichang Space
Center to destroy an aging Feng Yun 1C (FY-1C) polar orbit satellite (launched
in 1999) about 865km above the earth and 4 degrees west of the Xichang Satellite
Launch Center, through kinetic impact. The successful test comes after three
misses on 30 November 2006, 20 April 2006, and 26 October 2005. Australia,
Canada, the United States, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Russia
formally express their concern about the test of an anti-satellite (ASAT)
weapon. The ASAT test is regarded as a message to the United States after it
rejected China's and Russia's UN proposal to ban all space-based
weapons. On 16 March, 2007, China asserts that the test did not target any
specific country and calls for the signing of a new international treaty on
peaceful utilization of outer space.
On 23 March Jane's
Intelligence Digest reports that the ASAT test has produced a large amount
of debris, threatening U.S. reconnaissance satellites as well as the
International Space Station (ISS).
—Craig Covault, "Chinese Test Anti-Satellite Weapon,"
Aviation Week & Space Technology, 17 January 2007,
www.aviationweek.com/ aw/ generic/ story_channel .jsp? channel= space& amp;id= news/ CHI01177.xml,
"China Wants New International Treaty on Peaceful Use of Space,"
The Press Trust of India, 16 March 2007, in Lexis-Nexis,
www.lexisnexis.com; Caitin Harrington, "Chinese ASAT Test
Rekindles Weapons Debate," Jane's Defence Weekly, 19 January,
2007; "China Threatens US Intelligence Satellites," Jane's
Intelligence Digest, 23 March 2007.
22 January 2007
China increases the number of missiles aimed at Taiwan to 900. These include the
short-range M-11 (300km) and M-9 (600km) missiles. According to a U.S.
intelligence source, China also starts to deploy Donghai (East Sea) cruise
missiles, similar to the U.S. Tomahawk cruise missile. Chinese missile forces
mainly operate in Fujian, Guangdong, and Jiangxi Province. Roger Cliff, a senior
researcher at Rand Corporation states that Taiwan's air force, fuel
depots, and radar stations would not survive a first missile strike from China.
—"China Has Deployed 900 Missiles Targeting Taiwan:
Newspaper," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 22 January 2007, in
Lexis-Nexis www.lexisnexis.com.
2 March 2007
The U.S. Office of Navy Intelligence (ONI) publishes a report concerning China's
naval buildup. According to the report China is developing five new
nuclear-powered missile submarines (SSBNs), identified as Type 094, each
equipped with 12 new 8,000-km range JL-2 missiles. With sea trials already being
conducted, the missiles are likely to be deployed next year. China's
broader nuclear forces buildup also includes the deployment of the new
long-range land-based nuclear missiles DF-31 and DF-31A, as well as land-attack
cruise missiles. ONI states China is working to achieve a force of 120
long-range nuclear missiles. These could also carry multiple warheads, as China
is thought to have already acquired the needed technology. Furthermore, the ONI
report says this build-up "will provide China with a modern and robust
sea-based nuclear deterrent force." In addition to a submarine force,
surface ships are also being developed to defend sea lines of communication
(SLOCs). According to ONI, China is likely to operate an aircraft carrier by 2020.
—Bill Gertz, "China Expands Sub Fleet; Military Buildup
Includes Nuclear-Missile Boats," The Washington Times, 2 March
2007, in Lexis-Nexis www.lexisnexis.com.
5 March 2007
China introduces the indigenously developed PL-12 active
radar-guided air-to-air missile, which will be carried by the new J-10 fighter
jet. The missile is in its final development stages. The PL-12 has the
capability of hitting targets beyond visual range, and is being developed by a
Chinese missile manufacturer in Luoyang. Russian firms are also providing
several components to the design (including the seeker and inertial navigation
systems). At the same time the J-11B, a version of the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker with
Chinese radar, is also being equipped with the PL-12. This combination poses a
greater threat to Taiwan than the PL-12/J-10 combination, as the J-11B will
carry six PL-12 and four infrared dogfight missiles. Furthermore, its radar has
a longer acquisition range and a wider combat radius. Taiwan tries to counter
China's latest weapons by buying 218 of the latest Raytheon AIM-120C7
advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (Amraam) from the United States. This
deal is part of a $421-million weapons package, which also includes 235 Raytheon
AGM-65G2 Maverick air-to-ground missiles.
—Douglas Barrie; Amy Butler,
"Missile Booster; Beijing and Taipei Play Tit For Tat in Guided Weapons
Development, Acquisition," Aviation Week & Space Technology, 5
March, 2007, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexisnexis.com.
23 March 2007
The China National Precision Machinery Import & Export
Corporation (CPMIEC) confirms that China's P12 tactical surface-to-surface
missile (SSM) system is undergoing its final tests. The solid-propellant missile
has a range of 50 to 150km and has a launch weight of around 2,070kg, of which
450kg is the warhead.
On 19 April the CPMIEC states that the P12 will be
offered on the export market, along with the B611, which is also a
solid-propellant SSM. The B611 has a range of 60 to 260km, and a launch weight
of 2,183kg of which 480kg is the warhead.
—Christopher Foss,
"Chinese P12 Tactical SSM System in Final Trials," Jane's
Defence Weekly, 23 March, 2007; Christopher Foss, "China Approves New
Surface-to-Surface Missiles to Export," International Defence
Review, 19 April 2007.
9 April 2007
Aviation Week & Space Technology reports that China is accelerating flight
testing of new medium- and long-range ballistic missiles. Based on information provided by U.S.
Air Force Defense Support Program (DSP) missile warning spacecraft, China is
demonstrating a wide range of new tactics. According to the report,
China's missile testing equals the scale of the Soviet Union's
missile build up of the 1960s and is near war-time production of missiles.
—Craig Covault, "Eyes on China and Iran; DSP Missile-Warning
Spacecraft Provide Critical Intelligence on Aggressive Chinese Pace, As Final
$400-million Satellite is Readied to Begin Transition to SBIRS,"
Aviation Week & Space Technology, 9 April 2007, in Lexis-Nexis,
www.lexisnexis.com.
7 May 2007
China tests the PL-12 active radar-guided air-to-air missile from a J-11B, as well as
two variants of the KD-88 tactical air-to-surface missile and the anti-radiation missile (ARM)
YJ-91. The KD-88, in its final stage of development, is turbojet-powered with a
ventral intake. The KD-88 will provide the People's Liberations Army Air
Force (PLAAF) with an indigenous family of weapons to meet requirements
currently being met by buying Russian products.
—Craig Barrie,
"Chinese Rockets; Air-to-Surface, Air-to-Air Missile Programs Progress
Toward Use in Multiple Platforms," Aviation Week & Space
Technology, 7 May 2007, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexisnexis.com.
3 June 2007
China participates in the annual Shangri La dialogue on Asia-Pacific security in Singapore
for the first time. The leader of the Chinese delegation, Lt. Gen. Zhang Qinsheng,
rejects the notion of a Chinese threat to the region. U.S. Secretary of Defense
Robert Gates offers to brief China on the U.S. missile defense system as
assurance that China's nuclear deterrent is not threatened. In the past,
China had criticized American and Japanese missile defense plans against North
Korean missiles.
—"U.S. May Share Missile Info With China,"
Agence France Presse, 3 June, 2007, in Lexis-Nexis,
www.lexisnexis.com, "PLA in Shangri La," Indian
Express, 4 June 2007, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexisnexis.com.
20 July 2007
China reveals the new
DF-25 medium-range ballistic missile as part of its military buildup of nuclear
and conventional forces. The DF-25 has a range of 2,000 miles and can carry up
to three nuclear warheads. In addition, a new version of the DF-21 short-range
ballistic missile, the CSS-6, was revealed. The DF-21 is China's first
anti-ship ballistic missile designed to target U.S. aircraft carriers and other warships.
—Bill Gertz, "New Chinese Missiles," The
Washington Times, 20 July 2007, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexisnexis.com.
26 July 2007
China states that reports about Chinese missiles being shipped to Iraq through Iran are
misleading and wrongly discredit China. Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao made the
statement after a U.S. military spokesman in Baghdad said Chinese-made missiles
were found in Iraq. Liu Jianchao's statement does not rule out the
possibility that Chinese missiles could be in Iraq, but pointed out that China
has strict export controls and does not sell weapons to non-state entities or individuals.
—"China Denies Reports That its Missiles Have Ended
Up in Iraq," Associated Press Worldstream, 26 July, 2007, in
Lexis-Nexis www.lexisnexis.com.
13 September 2007
Pakistan tries to buy air-to-air missiles from the French company
MBDA and radars from Thales for the JF-17 jet fighter it is developing with
China. Through this deal, the technology could be transferred to China despite
the European arms embargo on China. Because the same missiles and a similar type
of radar are also being used by Taiwan's French-built Mirage jet fighters,
the deal could compromise the effectiveness of Taiwan's defenses.
—John Leicester, "Report: Possible French Arms Sale to
Pakistan Could Help China Circumvent EU Weapons Embargo," The
Associated Press, 13 September 2007, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexisnexis.com.
4 November 2007
In a statement during the 17th Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, Chinese
President and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) Hu Jintao urges
the Second Artillery Force (SAF; or SAC, the Second Artillery Corps),
China's strategic missile troops, to improve its capabilities quickly. Hu
also praised the SAF for its modernization progress in recent years.
—"China's Hu Jintao Urges Strategic Missile Force to
Improve Capability," BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, 4 November 2007,
in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexisnexis.com.
24 November 2007
The East and South China Sea fleets of the People's Liberation Army Navy
(PLAN) hold a large scale campaign level exercise. The exercise was conducted
east of Taiwan and north of the Philippine archipelago. The objectives were to
envelope and simulate a pincer attack on Taiwan from the sea. Kilo-class
submarines bought from Russia successfully launched Russian-made SS-N-27
"Club" anti-ship cruise missiles for the first time during the
exercise. The SS-N-27 can carry a 250kg warhead and has a range of 220km.
—"PLA Exercise Makes Pincer Attack on Taiwan; Two Major Fleets Sent; 'Chance
Encounter' with Kitty Hawk," Ming Pao Hong Kong, 24 November 2007,
in BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, 24 November 2007, in Lexis-Nexis
www.lexisnexis.com.
7 January 2008
Contrary to the previous estimated 900 missiles deployed by the People's Republic
of China targeting Taiwan, the Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian announces that
China actually has 1,328 missiles deployed across the Taiwan Strait. Chen
indicates that this is a 564 percent increase from the 200 missiles that China
deployed in 2000. Furthermore he states that China attempts to set preconditions
on any mainland-Taiwanese peace talks and change the military balance of power
on the Taiwan Strait.
—"China Has Far More Missiles Targeting Taiwan Than Earlier Estimated",
"Space & Missile Defense Report, 7 January 2008, in Lexis-Nexis
www.lexisnexis.com.
20 January 2008
Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine
names Qian Xuesen as Person of the Year. Mr. Qian is considered the father of
China's aerospace industry. Aviation Week & Space Technology
states "Nothing in aviation or space in 2007 represented a greater change
in the status quo than China's ascendancy to the first rank of space
powers." In 2003 China became the third nation to send a man into space.
The 2007 anti-satellite test showed China is capable of advanced sensors,
tracking and precise trajectory control technology which previously only
belonged to the United States and Russia. Mr. Qian worked in the United States
during World War II and helped found the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the
California Institute of Technology. He was controversially sent back to China
after the People's Republic of China was founded because he was considered
a security risk.
—William Hawkins, "China's Person of the Year,"
The Washington Times, 20 January 2008, in Lexis-Nexis
www.lexisnexis.com.
1 February 2008
The Australian company AMD Marine Consulting, a naval architectural and marine
engineering consulting firm based in Sydney, sets up a joint venture called Sea
Bus International with the Chinese company GUMECO working directly with the
People's Liberations Army Navy (PLAN) to construct a new generation
stealth missile catamaran Type 022, designed on the AMD 350 catamaran. According
to Chinese admirals these ships can go up to 36 knots and will be equipped with
sea-skimming anti-ship missiles.
—"Aust Co. Developing Missile-Enabled Catamarans for Chinese Navy,"
Asia Pulse, 1 February 2008, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexisnexis.com; Nick Squires, "Stealth
Knowhow Sold to Beijing," The Daily Telegraph (London), 2
February 2008, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexisnexis.com.
11 February 2008
The Indonesian Ambassador to China Maj. Gen. (ret.) Sudrajat announces that China
and Indonesia embark on a joint production of various military vehicles and
missiles. The joint production follows last year's defense cooperation
agreement between the two countries on military training and arms production.
The Chinese defense industry will cooperate with BPPT (the Agency for the
Assessment and Application of Technology) to produce missile launchers and with
PT Pindad (the Army's arms maker) to produce missile ammunition.
—Abdul Khalik, "China, Indonesia Start Joint Military Productions,"
The Jakarta Post, 12 February 2008, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexisnexis.com.
12 February 2008
The Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announces a draft Russian-Chinese treaty
on banning the deployment of weapons of any kind in space, or the use or threat
of force against space objects at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva. The
United States' plans for developing and deploying missile defense systems
have caused fears of an arms race with both Russia and China. The United States
rejected the plans.
—Aude Marcovitch, "Russia-China Space Deal to Counter US Shield Move:
Diplomats," Agence France Presse, 12 February 2008, in Lexis-Nexis,
www.lexisnexis.com; Irina Tsaregorodtseva, "Russia, China Try to Stop Space Arms Race,"
RusData Dialine, 13 February 2008, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexisnexis.com.
3 March 2008
The Pentagon reveals information about China's new DF-31A ICBM in its report
Military Power of the Republic of China. The report states that China currently
deploys up to ten DF-31A mobile ICBMs. The DF-31A is believed to succeed the
cancelled DF-41. It has an estimated range of 11,200-plus km. According to
Jane's Defence Weekly available images show extensive external bracing and an
opening on the aft end as indicators that the DF-31A might be hot launched. The DF-31A will carry
multiple warheads, according to the Pentagon report, which states that China is
researching measures to overcome missile defense such as maneuverable re-entry
vehicles (MARVs) and multiple independently targeted re-entry vehicles (MIRVs),
as well as decoys, chaff, jamming, thermal shielding and ASAT weapons.
—Ted Parsons, "Pictures of Chinese ICBM Appear
to Confirm US Study," Jane's Defence Weekly, 17 March, 2008.
26 March 2008
Taiwan's National Security Bureau (NSB) assesses that China has more than 1,400 DF-11 and
DF-15 short-range ballistic missiles targeting Taiwan. Furthermore China
continues developing the DF-25, which was successfully used in an ASAT test. In
addition China has deployed more than 190 cruise missiles including YJ-62A
anti-ship cruise missiles against Taiwan. NSB further believes that the
People's Liberation Army Navy bases more than 1,000 vessels in southern
China. Also the People's Liberation Army Air Force is deploying S-300OMU2
anti-aircraft missiles at its southern bases.
—Gavin Phipps, "Taiwanese Security Details Chinese Missile Capability,"
Jane's Defence Weekly, 9 April, 2008.
2 May 2008
Jane's Missiles and Rockets reports that six DF-31 (CSS-9) launch site may
have been located about 30km northwest of the city of Nanyang, which is located about 850km southeast of
Beijing. Open-source analyst Sean O'Connor believes that Brigade 813 of
China's Second Artillery Corps is the first unit being equipped with the DF-31.
—Doug Richardson, "Possible Launch Sites for China's Mobile ICBMs Tracked
Down to Nanyang," Jane's Missiles and Rockets, 2 May, 2008.
15 May 2008
Commercial satellite imagery reveals nuclear missile site with approximately 60 launch pads
for medium-range ballistic missiles in central China. The launch sites are
located along a 275 km highway from the city of Delingha through Da Qaidam to
Mahai in northern Qinghai province. Hans Kristensen, a researcher with
the Federation of American Scientists states that "from these launch pads
for DF-21 missiles, southern Russia and northern India [including New Delhi]
would be within range, but not Japan, Taiwan or Guam."
—"Extensive Missile Site in China Revealed by Satellite: Analyst,"
Agence France Presse, 15 May 2008, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexisnexis.com;
"Chinese Nuclear Missile Base has North India in Sight," Indo-Asian
News Service, 16 May 2008, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexisnexis.com.
6 June 2008
China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) upgrades its coastal defense with a
new version of the YJ-62C long-rang anti ship cruise missile. It is believed to
have a longer range than the 280km-range C-602, the export version of the
PLAN's YJ-62. Furthermore the 120 YJ-62C is deployed at bases in Fujian to
replace the 85km-range HY-1 and 95km-range HY-2 Silkworm. The YJ-62 strongly
resembles the U.S. BGM-109 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missile. The development
is believed to have benefitted from Tomahawk parts captured in Iraq and Iran.
—Ted Parsons, "China's Navy Shore up Defences With Long-Range YJ-62C
Missiles," Jane's Defence Weekly, 6 June, 2008.
3 July 2008
China deploys new Russian-made S-300PMU surface-to-air missiles with a range of more
than 200km, surpassing the 80km and 120km range of the older models. The
missiles are deployed at bases near Xiamen, Shantou, and Longtian in Fujian
province. The extended missiles range put the Taiwanese Air Force under pressure.
—Rich Chang, Taipei Times "Taiwan in Range of Chinese Surface-To-Air
Missiles – Report," in BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, 3 July 2008, in Lexis-Nexis,
www.lexisnexis.com.
2 September 2008
The United States Treasury Department lifts sanctions against China Great Wall
Industry Corp. The Chinese government's international aerospace trading
company was accused of supplying Iran with ballistic missile technology in 2006.
Great Wall Industry convinced the Treasury Department that it had implemented
reforms. Furthermore China recognized United States law and international
agreements against missile proliferation. The Treasury Department had frozen
Great Wall Industry's assets in the United States to prevent it from doing
business in the United States.
—Craig Covault, "U.S. Lifts Sanctions Against China Great Wall Industry
Corp," Aerospace Daily & Defense Report, 2 September 2008, in Lexis-Nexis,
www.lexisnexis.com.
12 September 2008
Indo-Asian News Service reports that China actively helps Bangladesh to
build up a missile arsenal. Concerning its missile program Bangladesh depends almost
entirely on Chinese hardware and technology. The first missile test was conducted on 12
May 2008 and successfully fired a C-802A anti-ship cruise missile with active participation of Chinese
experts. India accuses China of arming South Asian nations surrounding India
with missile systems.
—"Dhaka Missiles Part of Beijing's Encirclement of India: Expert,"
Indo-Asian News Service, 12 September 2008, in Lexis-Nexis,
www.lexisnexis.com.
17 November 2008
The Taiwanese Minister of National Defense Chen Chao-min states that China deploys
new YJ-62A subsonic anti-ship cruise missiles along its southeastern coast. The
YJ-62A has a maximum range of 400km and can also be used as a land attack cruise
missile (LACM). This puts the entire Taiwan area and its maritime territory
within range.
—Deborah Kuo, "China's New Missile Deployment Being Monitored:
Defense," Central News Agency – Taiwan," 17 November 2008, in Lexis-Nexis,
www.lexisnexis.com.
27 December 2008
China sends warships outside its territorial waters for the first time in centuries.
Three ships are being sent from Sanya in Hainan province to help with
international efforts to combat pirates and protect Chinese vessels in the Gulf
of Aden, off the Somali coast. The flagship of the fleet is the Wuhan, a
multi-purpose missile destroyer equipped with 16 anti-ship missiles, 48
surface-to-air missiles, close-in weapons systems and a helicopter. One other
ship was identified as the Haikou, the People's Liberation Army
Navy's latest destroyer model.
—"China Deploys Anti-Pirate Warships," UPI,
27 December 2008, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexisnexis.com.
5 February 2009
According to the United States Office of Naval Intelligence the People's Liberation
Army Navy's (PLAN) submarines completed twelve patrol missions in 2008
compared with seven in 2007, and two in 2006. Compared with western navies the
PLAN's submarines activity rate remains low, whereas it is higher compared
with the Russian Federation Navy, which completed seven missions in 2008.
According to Jane's Navy International none of the PLAN's ballistic missile
submarines (SSBNs) has conducted any deterrent patrols. China's Xia-class SSBN became
operational in 2003; however, its status is uncertain. Furthermore five of the new Jin-class SSBNs
remain under construction at Huludao Shipyard in Liaoning province, the first of
which became operational in 2007.
—Tim Fish, "China Steps up Submarine Patrols," Jane's Navy
International, 5 February 2009.
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 © 2010 by MIIS.
