China shows off world's longest range nuclear missile that can 'hit US in 30 minutes'

Luke O'Reilly1 October 2019

China today unveiled the world's longest range nuclear missile at a parade marking the Communist Party's 70th anniversary in power.

The Dongfeng-41 is believed to have a range of 9,400 miles and to be able to hit the United States with ten warheads in 30 minutes.

The missile, which can travel at 7,600mph, was inspected by Chinese President Xi Jinping who rode past it in an open topped limousine.

Soldiers in helmets and combat gear shouted, "Hello, leader!" and "Serve the people!"

President Xi replied, "Hello, comrades."

China marks 70 years of Communist rule - In pictures

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The parade marks the anniversary of the October 1, 1949 announcement of the founding of the People’s Republic of China by then-leader Mao Zedong.

It comes in the wake of weeks of anti-government protests in Hong Kong that have embarrassed Beijing.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam was in attendance at the anniversary march, along with dozens of the city's officials and dignitaries.

More than 160 aircraft, 580 pieces of military equipment and 15,000 soldiers took part in the march.

A supersonic drone, hypersonic missile, and a robot submarine were also on display.

The Chinese military, known as the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), has the second highest arms budget in the world, estimated at $250 billion, as well as the world’s largest standing army - at two million soldiers strong.

However, this spending trails behind the US military who spent $650 billion last year alone.

China only has about 280 nuclear warheads, compared with 6,450 for the United States and 6,850 for Russia.

Beijing says it wants a "minimum credible nuclear deterrent" but claims it won't be the first to use atomic weapons in a conflict.

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