What signal is China sending with footage of DF-17 hypersonic missile launches?

AI Summary

China has broadcast footage of DF-17 hypersonic missile launches, signaling enhanced deterrence capabilities across the first island chain. The coverage included live-fire exercises involving multiple branches of the People’s Liberation Army.

China’s state broadcaster CCTV has aired footage showing the launch of a DF-17 hypersonic missile, a weapon that analysts believe could strengthen deterrence across the first island chain. On Saturday, a military news programme carried footage of two live-fire exercises, one of which showed a Dongfeng-17, or “east wind”, missile launcher by the side of a road, followed by a vertical launch. The other segment showed training exercises involving multiple branches of the People’s Liberation Army...