How China’s hypersonic ‘carrier killers’ could distract US forces in a Taiwan conflict

AI Summary

China's development of hypersonic anti-ship missiles significantly enhances its naval denial capabilities around the first island chain, potentially distracting US and allied forces in a Taiwan Strait conflict. The People’s Liberation Army Navy's advancements were demonstrated by the recent firing of a YJ-20 hypersonic missile from a Type 052D destroyer.

The advancement and diversification of Beijing’s anti-ship missile platforms have bolstered its denial capabilities in the first island chain and could divert US and allied navies from warfare in a Taiwan Strait contingency, according to analysts. Last week, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV released a video of a Type 052D destroyer firing a YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile from its vertical launch system, showcasing the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s increased ability to target surface...