On the battlefield, the hypersonic missile unit swiftly responds to orders and launches an immediate attack. In the forests and mountains, the cruise missile unit advances from multiple directions and patrols to await combat. Beneath the rocky layers, the intercontinental missile unit guards with dignity, ready to launch… During the scorching summer months, reporters visited various training and exercise sites and discovered that the strategic missile force’s increasingly sophisticated nuclear-conventional combined, model-compatible, range-linked, and strike-effectively diverse combat force system fully embodies the boldness and confidence of a new type of great power’s “ace” and “secret weapon.”

On July 1, 1966, the Second Artillery Corps was formally established. This was a strategic decision made by New China in response to nuclear threats and to break the nuclear monopoly. Over the past 60 years, the strategic missile force has honed its skills and forged its defenses. Carrying heavy responsibilities, the force has moved forward with determination, from the first missile base hidden away from public view to the first launch shaft situated deep in the mountains, from the first sound of a sword’s resonant cry in the vast desert to the first test of its edge across the ocean… Generations of officers and soldiers of the strategic missile force have persevered, fulfilled their missions with distinction, and played a crucial role in safeguarding national security and maintaining world peace.

Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, President Xi Jinping has demonstrated his far-sightedness by personally planning and promoting the development of strategic forces and charting a new blueprint for the growth of the strategic missile force. On December 31, 2015, as part of the vigorous steps taken in the reform of national defense and the military, the Second Artillery Corps was renamed the Rocket Force, marking a historic transition from “soldiers” to “armies” and ushering in a new era of great endeavor. The officers and soldiers of the Rocket Force remain mindful of their commander-in-chief’s guidance, deeply understanding their roles as the “core force of strategic deterrence in China,” the “strategic support for China’s status as a major power,” and the “essential cornerstone for safeguarding national security.” They adhere to the strategic requirements of being capable of both nuclear and conventional warfare and of operating throughout the entire territory, continuously strengthening their training and readiness to build a powerful and modern Rocket Force.

With the expansion of mission tasks and the advancement of technology, the “Dongfeng family” has undergone updates and grown in size. Amidst the tumultuous events of the world, missiles like Dongfeng-1 and Dongfeng-2 have risen to the occasion, emerging from obscurity and standing tall as the “iron backbone” of the Chinese nation. During the 35th anniversary parade of the National Day, three types of nine strategic missiles made a dazzling appearance, unveiling the secrets of the strategic missile force for the first time. At the parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, 24 new rocket force missiles of six types were displayed in a stunning array, showcasing the powerful strategic balancing capabilities of “using military might to stop conflict and stabilize the world.” People were amazed to discover that, whether it was the powerful, decisive-in-one-blow new land-based intercontinental missiles, the all-time-ready, one-sword-to-the-throat hypersonic missiles, or the multi-domain-winning, one-arrow-through-the-heart surveillance satellites, their accuracy had improved, their penetration capabilities had strengthened, and their strike ranges had expanded. The great powers’ heavy weaponry had displayed new capabilities.

By closely monitoring changes in technology, warfare, and adversaries, the strategic missile force resolutely prioritizes preparations for combat. It accelerates the optimization of its structure, addresses weaknesses, and expands into new domains. New changes have occurred in its construction models, operational styles, and training methods. The “Tianjian” and “Li Jian” series of exercises and training have been expanded and upgraded, while the “Jianfeng” competition directly targets the battlefield, creating realistic scenarios and harsh environments. Practical combat capability assessments and evaluations are conducted, and missile units undergo rigorous training. A series of “Great Power Sword Techniques” have been developed. Today, China’s strategic iron fist is tightening and becoming increasingly formidable, always maintaining a state of readiness, with troops poised and bows fully strung.

The path to building a strong military is marked by resolute progress, and the strategic military services strive to achieve excellence. From fixed-site launches to mobile launches, from opportunistic launches to random launches, and from live-fire launches to actual combat launches, the strategic missile forces have continuously undergone capacity transformation and upgrading. They have carved out magnificent trajectories and are energetically writing a new chapter for building a strong military. The soldiers of the Rocket Force in this new era step onto the drums of mobilization, embodying a vibrant spirit of training and a readiness posture of standing at the ready. In the light of glory and dreams, they make a firm pledge: wherever the goal lies, wherever the sword points, and wherever the trajectory leads, the mission will be accomplished! (Looking into the new era)