URGENT UPDATE: China has just unveiled its latest hypersonic cruise missile, the CJ-1000, during a military parade at Tiananmen Square on September 3, 2025. This new weapon is being touted for its “powerful penetration” capabilities, marking a significant advancement in China’s military arsenal amid a growing global arms race.
The CJ-1000 is capable of executing long-range precision strikes and is designed to evade existing missile defense systems effectively, according to Chinese military experts. This development comes shortly after the United States conducted its first operational test of the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) in the Western Pacific, highlighting the urgency of military advancements among major powers.
During the parade, a formation of hypersonic missiles was showcased, including the CJ-20A, YJ-18C, and the CJ-1000, operated by the air force, navy, and rocket force respectively. The CJ-1000 is an upgraded model of the CJ-100, which debuted in 2019, and is reported to fly at speeds exceeding four times the speed of sound, with enhanced maneuverability.
According to the state-run Xinhua News Agency, the missile can launch instantly and target time-sensitive high-value assets such as mobile command posts and missile launchers. Chinese military expert Shao Yongling stated, “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.”
The unveiling of the CJ-1000 is particularly significant as it follows the recent deployment of the U.S. Tomahawk cruise missile, which has a range of approximately 1,000 miles but operates at subsonic speeds. The CJ-100 had a reported range of between 1,864 and 2,485 miles, allowing it to strike targets like Guam directly from mainland China. It remains unclear if the CJ-1000 has an extended range.
As tensions escalate in the region, this missile’s demonstration underscores China’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities. The Pentagon’s report on Chinese military power emphasizes the crucial role of the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force in China’s nuclear deterrence strategy.
What happens next is crucial. Analysts are closely watching whether China will conduct a test launch of the CJ-1000 in the near future, signaling its readiness to counter U.S. forces in the Western Pacific. The implications of this military showcase could reshuffle the balance of power in the region and beyond.
This latest military advancement is drawing significant attention globally, as nations grapple with the evolving landscape of modern warfare. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.