China conducts mobilization training for ‘Guam Killer’ Dongfeng-26 near Taiwan
Quick Look
- The Chinese People's Liberation Army Rocket Force conducted combat preparation training using the Dongfeng-26 medium-to-long-range ballistic missile, which can strike from the southeastern region near Taiwan to the U.S. territory of Guam.
- During the training, we simulated the passage of an enemy reconnaissance satellite, assumed a missile attack and the death of an agent, and practiced quick camouflage and deployment of reserve agents.
- CCTV released the training in the video, including the phrase "honoring skills in various areas and protecting unification," but did not reveal the specific location, period, or actual launch.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Dongfeng-26 is a mid- to long-range ballistic missile with a range of about 4,000 km and can be equipped with conventional and nuclear warheads. It is called the 'Guam Killer' as it has Guam in its range. Since it was first unveiled at a military parade in 2015, it has established itself as a key mid-range strike force of China's rocket force.
The Chinese military conducted combat preparation training using the Dongfeng (DF)-26, a medium-to-long-range ballistic missile that can strike from the southeastern region near Taiwan to the U.S. territory of Guam.
China Central Television (CCTV) reported on the 11th that a Rocket Force unit of the People's Liberation Army stationed in the southeastern region recently conducted emergency combat preparation training on the Dongfeng-26 without prior notice.
The training began with soldiers moving missile equipment when a combat readiness alarm sounded.
During the move, higher-level units were notified that an enemy radar reconnaissance satellite was scheduled to pass over the operational area.
When the commander ordered concealment, the soldiers quickly set up camouflage facilities and responded to enemy reconnaissance.
We also assumed a situation where the missile equipment was attacked by the enemy and the operator was killed.
The unit immediately deployed reserve personnel and completed the training in cooperation with other soldiers, the broadcast reported.
In the training video released by CCTV, the phrase 'honor your skills in various areas and protect unification' appeared.
However, the specific unit station, training period, and location were not disclosed, and whether the missile was actually launched was not mentioned.
The Dongfeng-26 mobilized in this exercise is a medium-to-long-range ballistic missile developed independently by China and has a range of approximately 4,000 km.
It can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads, and is called the 'Guam Killer' as it is within range of Guam, a key military base in the Western Pacific of the United States.
Dongfeng-26 was first unveiled at China's Victory Day military parade in 2015, and has since established itself as a key mid-range strike force of China's rocket force.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
There is a possibility that China will conduct additional missile training or military demonstrations in the waters around Taiwan in the future.
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What is the actual purpose of this training?
- How often will China conduct similar exercises in the future?
- Is this training directly related to the situation in the Taiwan Strait?
