How China’s hypersonic ‘carrier killers’ could distract US forces in a Taiwan conflict

China's advancements in hypersonic anti-ship missiles, exemplified by the YJ-20, are significantly bolstering its capabilities to deny access to adversaries within the crucial first island chain. This development is a key component of Beijing's broader military modernization drive, which aims to narrow the technological and strategic gap with the United States.

The YJ-20, one of China's first sea-based hypersonic anti-ship missiles to enter mass production, was showcased during a large military parade last year. Its deployment underscores the People's Liberation Army Navy's strategic focus on establishing robust anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities. The first island chain, stretching from Japan to Borneo and encompassing Taiwan, is a region where China asserts its influence and views Taiwan as a breakaway province to be reunified, by force if necessary.

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The YJ-20 is one of China’s first sea-based hypersonic anti-ship missiles to have entered mass production, highlighting Beijing’s advances in its naval defence amid a military modernisation drive to narrow gaps with the US.

According to analysts, these advanced Chinese missile platforms could serve to divert US and allied naval forces during a contingency in the Taiwan Strait. Such a diversion would complicate warfare strategies for the US and its allies, potentially impacting their ability to project power and respond effectively in a conflict scenario over Taiwan. While most countries do not recognize Taiwan as an independent state, the United States remains opposed to any forceful reunification and is committed to supplying Taiwan with defensive weapons.

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It illustrated the Chinese navy’s strategic focus on establishing robust anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) against adversaries across its coastal waters and the first island chain.