Andrei Chang, editor-in-chief of the Canadian-based military magazine Kanwa Defense Review, recently posted satellite photos showing the bases of the Chinese marines and Rocket Forces in Fujian and Guangdong, in the south.
`Every missile brigade in Fujian and Guangdong is fully equipped,` Chang said.
Satellite image of a Chinese military missile base in Pu Ninh city, Guangdong province.
Chang said the PLA has upgraded a base in Pu Ninh city, Guangdong province, and is deploying a new type of ballistic missile there, but did not give specifics.
`The missile base in Puning is responsible for attacking southern Taiwan, but the DF-11 and DF-15 missiles do not have enough range to hit the island’s air bases in Taitung and Hualien.`
A military source in Beijing said the PLA may deploy DF-17 hypersonic missiles at upgraded bases in Fujian and Guangdong.
`The DF-17 hypersonic missile will replace the older DF-11 and DF-15 models that have been deployed in the southeast of the mainland for decades. The new missile has a longer range and accuracy
The DF-17 hypersonic missile has a maximum range of 2,500 km, first appearing in public during the 70th anniversary of China’s National Day parade in October 2019.
DF-17 hypersonic missile during a military parade in Beijing, China, October 2019.
The PLA deployed many missiles along the coast of Fujian and Zhejiang provinces when Taiwanese leader Chen Shui-bian was still in power.
The PLA also deployed S-400 air defense complexes, purchased from Russia many years ago, in the east coast to detect and destroy jet fighters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from a distance.
`The S-400’s radar is very sophisticated and can cover the entire island of Taiwan. These complexes can shoot down Taiwanese defense force aircraft when they take off,` Chang said.
The PLA’s coastal defense force includes 20 air force brigades, some equipped with J-20 stealth fighters.
The Chinese Marine Corps Command based in Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province, will take on an important role in any offensive campaign against Taiwan’s maritime defense force base in the city.
Location of Guangdong province and Taiwan island.
China considers Taiwan a part of its territory awaiting reunification and is ready to use force if necessary.
The leader of Taiwan’s defense agency said in early October that the PLA had sent military aircraft and naval ships close to the island more than 2,700 times in the past 9 months.
Olivia