Image source: topwar.ru
The tests of the new hypersonic anti-ship missiles "YJ-21" were the first public demonstration of this weapon. Analysts believe that the missile is designed to defeat US Navy aircraft carriers that can operate in the Pacific Ocean. As the leaders of the Communist Party of China like, the demonstration of missiles was timed to coincide with the 73rd anniversary of the Naval Forces of the People's Liberation Army of China.
The YJ-21 missile was launched from the Type 055 ship, which is considered the largest and most modern destroyer in the Chinese navy. This ship has 112 vertical launch missile cells and is armed with modern means of anti-missile, anti-ship and anti-submarine defense.
According to experts, the Type 055 ship was decided to be armed with YJ-21 missiles to deter foreign ships, mainly the US Navy, from participating in hostilities in the event of a Chinese military operation against the island of Taiwan. Actually, this is not hidden by the Chinese press: The combination of the Type-55 destroyer and YJ-21 missiles will make it possible to resist the US naval hegemony in the seas adjacent to China and parts of the Pacific Ocean.
For the rearmament of China, the United States itself gives reason after reason. So, last week, the US Navy, together with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces, conducted military exercises off the Korean peninsula. Beijing treats such actions extremely negatively, so the reaction in the form of a missile test followed immediately.
Zhou Chengming, a researcher at the analytical center for military Science and Technology in Beijing, stressed that the United States provides unlimited military assistance to Ukraine, so it can be assumed that there will be a similar situation with Taiwan. The recent visit of US congressional representatives to Taiwan caused great outrage in Beijing.