China's military builds new multi-missile launcher for mass salvos against Taiwan, report warns

China has unveiled a new multi-missile launcher system, potentially capable of launching large quantities of ballistic and cruise missiles at Taiwan or against U.S. and allied forces, according to a recent report by the China Aerospace Studies Institute. The system was identified through satellite imagery at a desert location near Jilantai in Inner Mongolia, where the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force established a previously unknown fixed launch system. This development marks a significant enhancement in China's military capabilities, particularly in terms of rapid-fire strike potential. The new launchers feature vertical launch tubes designed to accommodate various missile types, including short-range, medium-range ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles. Unlike traditional intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) silos, these launch tubes have a shorter depth, suggesting they are optimized for quicker deployment and a broader range of missile configurations. The report highlights that this system could provide the Chinese military with a conventional quick strike capability, allowing for rapid responses during crises or conflicts. Military analysts such as Tom Shugart from the Center for New American Security emphasize the implications of this new system. He notes that deploying a large number of missiles via such a system is more cost-effective compared to using individual transporters or silos. Furthermore, the system's design enables swift, surprise attacks, potentially overwhelming defensive measures. Shugart suggests that the concentration of expensive missiles in a single location might indicate a first-strike strategy, as the system could be vulnerable to retaliation but offers a high payoff in terms of initial impact. The report indicates that the construction of these launch tubes commenced in 2022 and was largely completed by late 2023. A satellite image from January reveals the launchers fully operational with closure doors installed. This suggests that the system is being prepared for immediate deployment with combat units, enhancing China's strategic posture in the region. The new launcher is intended to influence U.S. strategic decisions by increasing the perceived risk of defending Taiwan. It could serve both deterrent and coercive roles, potentially discouraging U.S. military involvement in a Taiwan-related crisis or deterring deeper military cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan. While the report acknowledges that China's military does not differentiate between conventional and nuclear-armed missiles, it posits that this particular system is primarily aimed at large-scale conventional strikes. Comparatively, the newly developed launchers are notably smaller than the over 300 ICBM silos previously identified by U.S. intelligence in regions such as Yumen, Hami, and Inner Mongolia. These larger silos house DF-31 missiles, which are part of China's strategic nuclear arsenal. In contrast, the new launchers seem to focus on tactical and regional operations rather than long-range nuclear deterrence. This development underscores China's ongoing efforts to modernize and expand its military infrastructure, particularly in response to regional security dynamics involving Taiwan and U.S. military presence. As the situation evolves, the international community will likely continue to monitor these developments closely, assessing their implications for regional stability and global security.