Chinese experts believe that the DF-17 supersonic missile array located near Taiwan will deter the US and its allies from interfering in the strait situation.

"Taiwanese media and the world report that the Chinese army (PLA) is preparing to attack the island when deploying new weapons systems, believed to include the DF-17 supersonic missile, in the region.

SCMP on October 18 reported that the PLA was upgrading its missile bases east of the Taiwan Strait and could deploy the DF-17 there.

The Taipei-based Liberty Times also said that the DF-17 missile could help the PLA directly attack air bases in Taichung and Hualien on the east coast of Taiwan.

However, the Global Times quoted an unnamed military expert from the defense academy in Beijing as saying that deploying the DF-17 missile at bases in Fujian, Guangdong was not a sign of a

"Military targets on Taiwan Island are entirely within the range of jet artillery and aircraft-launched missiles in the PLA service, so the use of modern missiles for this purpose will be.

According to this Chinese expert, the DF-17 supersonic missile with a range of 2,500 km will be used to effectively control the Taiwan Strait area, preventing "foreign forces" from interfering if a conflict breaks out.

"This weapon is really aimed at foreign troops if they interfere in the PLA's unification campaign in Taiwan," he said.

Yang Chengjun, a mainland Chinese missile specialist, said that because the DF-17 is capable of changing its trajectory while flying at extremely high speeds, the enemy has little chance of intercepting it.

The missile expert is confident that with the deployment of the DF-17 near the Taiwan Strait, the PLA can effectively control the area, "deterring Taiwan separatists and interference from outside"

"The DF-17 will play an important role in preventing US forces and its allies Japan, South Korea and Australia from intervening militarily in China's internal affairs," Yang said.

Taiwan Island (China).

China considers Taiwan part of the territory awaiting reunification and is ready to use force if necessary.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on October 13 asked the PLA marines stationed in Guangdong to "wholeheartedly" prepare for combat.

The PLA Marine Corps, which plays a key role in any amphibious operation, has 10 out of 13 brigades on mainland China's southeast coast.

The PLA Marine Command in Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province, will play a key role in any offensive against Taiwan's maritime defense base in the city.