China alert: ‘Advanced weapons’ spotted ahead of huge parade – what is Beijing planning?

On October 1, China will mark the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China with a military parade through the streets of Beijing. China is set to show off its fearsome weaponry, and experts believe a few new major weapons could be on the agenda. Images from Reuters showed a sneak peak of the parade being set-up, and among the items to be highlighted appears to be the new Chinese Type 15 light tank.

The warfare machine, which boasts a 105 mm rifled gun with thermal sleeve and fume extractor which has a maximum firing range of 3,000m, is usually reserved for mountainous activities, but the desert camouflage could suggest China has other plans in the pipeline.

Another image emerged showing what appeared to be a large, torpedo-shaped device.

General Cai Zhijun said the army “will show some advanced weapons for the first time”, independent military news site Defense News reported.

While there has been no official announcement as to what the new weapons may be, Defense News said submarine ballistic missiles could be unveiled.

The website said: “Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post reported that the weapon systems that will make their debut include the DF-41 road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile and the JL-2 submarine-launched ballistic missile.

“Both missiles are typically fitted with nuclear warheads. The DF-41 is a multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle. It’s able to carry 10-12 nuclear warheads, each of which can be directed to a different target.”

Another reported debutant of the parade could be an upgraded version of the H-6K, which has apparently been seen during flyby rehearsals.

The H-6K is a long reaching, fuel efficient bomber which has a range of 6,000 kilometres.

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However, General Cai Zhijun, a member of the Chinese Army General Staff, said at a news conference last month that China was “committed to safeguarding world peace and regional stability.”

“This military parade won’t be targeted at any countries or districts and any specific incidents.”

Watch this space.

source: express.co.uk