21 July 2011

Taiwan 2011 National Defense Report: DF-21D ASBMs “have been produced and deployed in small numbers in 2010”

國防部「國防報告書」編纂委員會 [Ministry of Defense, “National Defense Report” Editorial Board], 中華民國壹百年國防報告書 [Republic of China Centennial 2011 National Defense Report] (Taipei: 國防部 [Ministry of Defense], 2011).

p. 60

ROUGH ENGLISH TRANSLATION:

1. Mainland Chinese Military Capability

4. Second Artillery Strike Capability

Under the guidance of [the] “both conventional and nuclear missions” [concept], [the Second Artillery] continues to develop MIRVed intercontinental ballistic missiles, and to strengthen strategic nuclear deterrence, nuclear counterattack, and conventional precision strike ability; [as well as to] fit out and deploy medium-range ballistic missiles capable of attacking ships (the DF-21D missile). These powerful anti-carrier weapons currently under development by the PLA have been produced and deployed in small numbers in 2010, [thereby] increasing the difficulty for the U.S. military to use its forces in the region.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE (ORIGINAL):

一、中共軍事能力

4、二砲打擊能力

在「核常兼備」指導下,持續研製分導式洲際彈道飛彈,強化戰略核威懾、核反擊與常規精準打擊之能力;列裝部署可攻船之中程彈道飛彈(DF-21D型導彈),為共軍研發中打擊航母利器,已於2010年少量生產部署,增加美軍在區域用兵之難度。

SIMPLIFIED CHINESE:

一、中共军事能力

4、二炮打击能力

在「核常兼备」指导下,持续研制分导式洲际弹道飞弹,强化战略核威慑、核反击与常规精准打击之能力;列装部署可攻船之中程弹道飞弹(DF-21D型导弹),为共军研发中打击航母利器,已于2010年少量生产部署,增加美军在区域用兵之难度。

For the latest analysis of official Chinese statements, see “General Chen Bingde, PLA Chief of General Staff, Becomes First Chinese Official to Confirm Publicly that “2,700 km-Range” DF-21D Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile (ASBM) is in Development; “Not Operational Yet” by PLA Definition.”

For the latest analysis and sources on Chinese ASBM development, see “China’s Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile (ASBM) Reaches Equivalent of ‘Initial Operational Capability’ (IOC)—Where It’s Going and What it Means.”

Detailed analysis by top subject matter experts of Chinese ASBM development and strategic implications is offered in five dedicated chapters in Andrew S. Erickson and Lyle J. Goldstein, eds., Chinese Aerospace Power: Evolving Maritime Roles (Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 2011).

For an explanation of Chinese ASBM development and its larger implications, see the China Maritime Studies Institute Lecture of Opportunity, Chinese Sources Discuss the ASBM Threat to the U.S. Navy,” that I presented at the Naval War College on 21 March 2011.

For detailed analysis of Admiral Willard’s statement regarding China’s ASBM reaching IOC, see Andrew Erickson and Gabe Collins, China Deploys World’s First Long-Range, Land-Based ‘Carrier Killer’: DF-21D Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile (ASBM) Reaches ‘Initial Operational Capability’ (IOC),” China SignPost™ (洞察中国), No. 14 (26 December 2010).

For further background on Chinese ASBM development, see also “China Testing Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile (ASBM); U.S. Preparing Accordingly–Updated With Latest Analysis & Sources.”