A source close to the military, identified as Huang Anyang (pseudonym), told The Epoch Times that the missile fired was an improved variant of the JL-2 submarine-launched ballistic missile, not the standard JL-2 or the more advanced JL-3 speculated by outside observers.
“They want to make the United States believe that the Chinese navy can now strike beyond the second island chain with long-range attacks,” Huang said. “In reality, it has not reached that level. The improved JL-2 has only been in service with the navy for about 10 years.”
He added that the CCP seeks to counter narratives downplaying its naval capabilities and to signal to neighboring countries and the United States that its submarine-based nuclear forces can threaten areas beyond the second island chain.
Public records have not confirmed the exact missile type. Reuters reported on July 8 that U.S. State Department officials suspected it might be the JL-3. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) noted that if it were a JL-2, the test would have been near the missile’s maximum range; a JL-3 would have a range exceeding 10,000 kilometers.
Huang stated that Beijing deliberately avoids disclosing specific missile models. He believes the CCP is not yet ready to publicly test the JL-3, fearing it would provoke a stronger response from the United States and its allies.
JL-2 Capabilities and Limitations
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