In a carefully choreographed press briefing, China’s Ministry of National Defense recently showcased a narrative that blends cutting-edge military deterrence with the potent weaponization of historical grievances. The briefing, led by Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, marked the 60th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force by highlighting the operational readiness of the DF-17 hypersonic glide vehicle. This display of force, featuring footage of night-time, off-road launches, appears calculated to signal a sophisticated strike capability that bypasses traditional missile defense systems.
While the Rocket Force’s 60-year milestone provided the occasion, the timing of the footage release coincides with significant regional shifts, including the conclusion of the G7 summit and the commencement of the U.S.-led 'Rim of the Pacific' (RIMPAC) exercises. By demonstrating that the DF-17 can be deployed rapidly without fixed infrastructure, Beijing is asserting its ability to maintain a credible second-strike capability and precise long-range deterrence. Zhang’s dismissal of 'over-interpretation' regarding the timing suggests a deliberate 'strategic ambiguity' often employed by the PLA to unsettle regional rivals.
Simultaneously, the Ministry pivoted to a sharp critique of Japan, responding to reports of wartime 'heterologous blood transfusion' experiments allegedly conducted by the Imperial Japanese Army. These reports, which suggest that animal blood was injected into human subjects during the invasion of China, serve as a visceral reminder of the atrocities committed during the 20th century. By linking these historical crimes to current warnings against a 'resurgence of militarism,' Beijing is framing Japan’s recent moves toward defense normalization as a threat to regional peace.
This rhetorical strategy serves a dual purpose: it reinforces China’s image as a technologically advanced military power while maintaining the moral high ground as a victim of past aggression. As Japan increases its defense spending and strengthens its alliance with the United States, China is likely to continue using this historical lens to delegitimize Tokyo's security policies. The message from the Ministry is clear: China’s military modernization is both a celebration of its sovereign strength and a necessary shield against the return of historical shadows.