Chinese military tests new hypersonic missile ahead of talks between US–China defense leaders

China’s navy has revealed a previously unknown test of a new hypersonic missile at sea. Footage of the test emerged on Chinese social media just days ahead of the 73rd anniversary of the Chinese navy, and just before talks between U.S. and Chinese defense leaders.

The missile depicted in the video is likely China’s YJ-21, also called the Eagle Strike 21, which is believed to have a maximum range of some 620 miles.

Though the characteristics of the missile are unknown, as no official launches have been documented, analysis by NavalNews suggested that the missile is a cold-launched ballistic anti-ship missile with a hypersonic glide vehicle.

The test footage comes at a time of increased anxiety in the United States over the lack of a robust domestic hypersonics program. U.S. defense officials have said that the military will need to quickly develop new capabilities in order to counter China’s hypersonic weapons, which they warn could be used as a nuclear first-strike weapon.

Relatedly, the missile was launched from one of China’s Type 055 cruisers. The Type 055 is China’s most formidable surface warfare vessel, and is likely to be a key asset in China’s burgeoning aircraft carrier groups.

The vessel, launched in 2017, is also the largest surface combatant in the world, and boasts a displacement of around 13,000 tons compared to the 9,800 ton Ticonderoga Class cruisers of the U.S. Navy.

“If this missile turns out to be the hypersonic YJ-21, the Type 055 cruisers would arguably become the most heavily armed warships worldwide,” NavalNews said.