World War 3 fears have erupted after China showed off its game-changing rocket launchers in a new military from the PLA.
The video showed several PHL-16s, China’s new Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), firing off live rounds in the middle of the desert. The new MLRS has been described as China’s version of the US-made HIMARS.
The PLA footage also revealed the rocket launchers being transported across 3,000 kilometres along new military supply lines that China has built.
The PHL-16 can launch up to eight 370mm rockets with a range of approximately 350 kilometres or two 750mm Fire Dragon 480 tactical ballistic missiles with a range of around 500 kilometres.
The huge show of force has raised fears of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, which could trigger US involvement and erupt into a global conflict.
It is thought that China would deploy these rocket launchers during the start of an invasion of Taiwan.
The weapons systems would allow the Chinese forces to shoot across the Taiwan Strait.
Lyle Goldstein, the director of Asia Engagement at the Defense Priorities, has said that the rocket launchers could be a game-changer for the Chinese war readiness.
He previously tweeted: “They might not look as impressive as the missiles shot over Taiwan, but these systems could be the game changer. This is economical firepower and implies thousands of daily strikes, ranging the whole island.”
This comes as a new report suggests China could wage economic war on Taiwan to force the island to surrender.
Beijing could wage an economic and cyber war to force a surrender from Taiwan without direct use of military power, according to the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington-based research institute.
The report said that an economic blockade poses a challenge for the US, the island’s biggest ally.
Beijing has vowed to take Taiwan, by force if necessary, although Chinese President Xi Jinping has promised to make “utmost efforts” to do so peacefully.
Taiwan split from the mainland in 1949 during a civil war when the nationalist government fled to the island.
President Joe Biden has indicated he would send troops to defend Taiwan in case of an attack from China.
Beijing has demanded the US stay out of Taiwan, arguing it is a domestic affair.
