Strategic Weapons: December 2, 2002

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Russia reported that there ballistic missile early warning systems detected another test of the Chinese Dongfeng-31 ICBM on November 23rd. This missile, with it's 8,000 kilometer range, was also tested last August. Two tests coming so close together indicate that the Chinese are confident in the reliability of the missile and will increase production. The first Dongfeng-31s entered service last year. But in the past, China has put high tech weapons into service that really weren't all that reliable. Their nuclear submarines are a good example of this. The Dongfeng-31 carries several warheads and can reach the West coast of the United States.