Furthermore, with 16 ballistic missiles launched in a single exercise, the substantial cost of the test underscores China’s commitment to investing heavily in its military readiness.
Given their high cost, ballistic missiles remain one of the most expensive weapons systems, and launching a volley of 16 in one go is virtually unheard of outside of wartime drills, showcasing Beijing’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities.
In 2023, state broadcaster CCTV aired footage of an autonomous missile production line, widely interpreted as a strategic message to the world, particularly the US, about China’s expanding missile stockpiles and increasing military production capacity.