China Sends Strategic Shockwave in the Indo-Pacific

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Beijing’s Victory Day parade signals military parity ambitions with the US, reshaping deterrence and maritime security in Asia

By TRH Global Affairs Desk

NEW DELHI, September 4, 2025 — China’s Victory Day parade was more than a commemoration of history. It was a carefully choreographed strategic message to the world: Beijing is no longer content with being a regional power. By unveiling its complete nuclear triad—land, sea, and air-based nuclear forces—for the first time, China declared itself as a peer competitor in the nuclear domain, standing alongside the United States and Russia.

A New Nuclear Posture in Full View

For the first time, the PLA displayed:

DF-5C ICBM: A liquid-fuelled missile with global strike range.
DongFeng-61 & DongFeng-31BJ: Next-generation land-based intercontinental missiles.
JuLang-3 (JL-3): Submarine-launched missile with intercontinental reach.
JingLei-1 (JL-1): Air-launched nuclear missile, marking a new phase in China’s air deterrence.

Accompanied by hypersonic glide vehicles (DF-17), anti-ship DF-26D “carrier killers”, and the YJ-21 missile designed to neutralise naval fleets, the display was not simply for domestic pride—it was a signal to adversaries across the Indo-Pacific.

Geostrategic Implications in the Indo-Pacific

Deterrence Beyond Taiwan
The triad’s debut sends a clear warning: China’s nuclear deterrence now extends well beyond Taiwan. With the DF-5C’s global reach and the JL-3’s submarine-based survivability, the PLA can credibly deter intervention by the US and its allies in any Asian contingency.
Naval Balance Disrupted
Weapons like the DF-26D and YJ-21 are designed to neutralise US aircraft carriers, the backbone of Washington’s Indo-Pacific strategy. For India, Japan, and Australia—members of the Quad—the prospect of a more hostile maritime environment is real.
Arms Race Triggered
China’s display pushes the Indo-Pacific into a new phase of arms competition. India will face pressure to accelerate its own sea-based deterrent and missile defense systems. Japan and Australia may double down on security pacts with the US.
Cyber and Space Dimensions
The parade also featured cyber and space forces—a reminder that nuclear weapons are only part of Beijing’s evolving strategy. By pairing nuclear deterrence with space and cyber capabilities, China is signaling a holistic warfare approach.

Strategic Messaging: Peace or Power Projection?

State media framed the triad as China’s “ace power” to safeguard sovereignty and dignity, a “shield of peace.” Yet, the optics suggest otherwise. This was the biggest military flex in decades, timed as Washington recalibrates its Indo-Pacific commitments and as regional flashpoints from the South China Sea to Taiwan remain volatile.

A Dangerous Decade Ahead

The Indo-Pacific just entered a more unstable phase. China’s public embrace of a nuclear triad breaks with its traditionally low-profile nuclear posture. For regional powers, it means recalculating deterrence equations, accelerating defence cooperation, and preparing for a future where Beijing’s strategic shadow looms larger than ever.

The message from Beijing was unmistakable: China will not be bullied again, and it now has the nuclear muscle to ensure it.

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