Beijing: The array of missile systems unveiled at a military parade could deter foreign forces from intervening in a cross-strait conflict, defense experts said.

According to Focus Taiwan, Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted the parade in Tiananmen Square to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, with more than 20 international leaders in attendance and a display of missile systems that included models not shown before.

Among the weapons on display were YJ family anti-ship missiles, listed as YJ-17, YJ-19 and YJ-20. Defense experts said those missiles can be used to strengthen China’s anti-access/area denial posture near the Taiwan Strait.

Kao Chih-jung, a researcher at Taiwan’s government-owned Institute for National Defense and Security Research, said the YJ-19 has a range of 1,440 kilometers and can strike ships as far as the Second Island Chain, which stretches from Japan to Guam and Indonesia. Kao said the missiles are unlikely to pose a significant threat to Taiwan’s Navy because Taiwan would move main battleships to the east coast rather than leave them in the Taiwan Strait at the opening stage of a war.

Kao said the anti-ship missiles would pose a greater threat to American vessels that might come to Taiwan’s aid if Washington intervened.

Su Tzu-yun, a research fellow at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, said the YJ family would strengthen China’s anti-access/area denial posture around Taiwan and would prevent foreign fleets from approaching the Taiwan Strait. Su also pointed to other systems that appeared at the parade, including a DF-61 intercontinental ballistic missile, a JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile and an AJX002 underwater drone. Su said those weapons could be fitted with nuclear warheads to serve as a political deterrent that would dissuade countries from providing logistical support or sending troops to Taiwan in a conflict.

Kao identified four stealth attack drone models on display that followed a GJ-11 drone. He said the four models lacked vertical stabilizers and were shaped like stealth fighter jets. Kao said those drones could operate with fighter jets to help establish air supremacy and, because of their stealth features, could limit movements of opposing pilots. He said when fitted with ammunition the drones would pose a risk to Taiwan’s military bases and ground targets and urged close monitoring of future tests and official introduction into the People’s Liberation Army.

Details:

– Event: Military parade in Tiananmen Square hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression; attendance by more than 20 international leaders.

– Weapon categories shown: YJ family anti-ship missiles (YJ-17, YJ-19, YJ-20), DF-61 intercontinental ballistic missile, JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile, AJX002 underwater drone, GJ-11 stealth drone and four additional stealth attack drone models.

– YJ-19 specifics: Reported range 1,440 kilometers; capable of striking ships to the Second Island Chain.

– Strategic effects noted by experts: Strengthening of anti-access/area denial posture around Taiwan; potential to cut off foreign fleets from approaching the Taiwan Strait; increased deterrence against foreign logistical support or troop intervention if weapons are fitted with nuclear warheads.

– Drone observations: Four stealth attack models lacked vertical stabilizers and had a shape similar to stealth fighter jets; potential use alongside fighter jets to establish air control; potential threat to military bases and ground targets when armed.

– Expert institutions cited: Institute for National Defense and Security Research researchers Kao Chih-jung and Su Tzu-yun.