BREAKING: China has just unveiled its latest hypersonic cruise missile, the CJ-1000, during a significant military parade in Tiananmen Square on September 3, 2025. This new weapon is touted for its “powerful penetration” capabilities, intensifying the global arms race as major powers, including the United States and Russia, strive to develop advanced hypersonic technologies.
The unveiling comes at a critical moment, following the recent deployment of the U.S. Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) in the Western Pacific, which is set to field its first operational unit by the end of this month. The introduction of the CJ-1000 raises urgent concerns among military strategists and analysts regarding its potential impact on regional security dynamics.
During the parade, a formation of three types of cruise missiles was showcased, including the CJ-20A, YJ-18C, and the CJ-1000. These missiles serve various branches of China’s military—air force, navy, and rocket force. According to state-run Xinhua News Agency, the CJ-1000 is designed for long-range precision strikes, equipped with “instant-launch” capabilities.
Chinese military expert Shao Yongling emphasized the missile’s advanced features, stating that it could effectively target heavily fortified and time-sensitive assets, such as mobile command systems and rocket launchers. The speed of the CJ-1000 exceeds that of its predecessor, the CJ-100, which can reach up to four times the speed of sound and has a range of approximately 1,864 to 2,485 miles. This makes it capable of striking U.S. territories like Guam from mainland China.
In contrast, the U.S. Tomahawk cruise missile, which operates at subsonic speeds, has a range of only 1,000 miles. The deployment of the CJ-1000 suggests a significant leap in China’s military capabilities, highlighting the urgent need for the U.S. and its allies to reassess their defense strategies in the face of this technological advancement.
“Due to its faster flight speed and better maneuverability, the CJ-1000 can effectively reduce the success rate of interception by existing missile defense systems,” said Shao Yongling to the Global Times.
The Pentagon’s recent report on Chinese military capabilities underlines the significance of the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force in China’s nuclear deterrence strategy, noting its essential role in countering third-party interventions in regional conflicts.
As tensions continue to escalate in the region, the international community is left wondering whether China will conduct a test-launch of the CJ-1000 in the near future, which could serve as a direct challenge to U.S. military presence in the Pacific. Analysts are closely monitoring developments, as the implications of this new missile could reshape geopolitical stability.
Stay tuned as we continue to provide updates on this developing story, which holds significant ramifications for global security dynamics and military strategy.
