China has recently updated a Cold War Era bomber that will be able to attack U.S. bases as well as pose a serious threat to Taiwan and neighboring countries. This past month, China has used this bomber, the H-6, in war games they have held in the skies and seas around Taiwan. These maneuvers were a stern warning to the people of Taiwan seeking independence. Some of these modernized versions of the H-6 are able to carry nuclear warheads, launch ballistic missiles, and can carry long-range anti-ship and land attack missiles. This bomber has become an all around attack aircraft for the Chinese military. In war, the H-6 would pose a serious threat to naval and land targets whether American or Taiwan. In July of this year, H-6 bombers flew close to the U.S. mainland for the first time. This aircraft is the equivalent of the American made B-52 bomber developed for service in the Cold War. The H-6 has been utilized on patrol missions and shows of force to rival American dominance.
This new development of the H-6 bomber means that China now has a platform through which it can launch nuclear missiles to attack the United States, or Taiwan. Since the bomber is able to carry and launch nuclear warheads, this cuts down on early warning defense system as the missiles will travel quickly when launched from a flying aircraft. Both the United States and Taiwan have been put on edge from the updates that this aircraft has received as well as the Chinese military flexing its muscles in recent years over the South China Sea. The H-6 bomber has also been seen working with a surveillance drone where the drone observed a target and relayed information to the bomber, which carried anti-ship missiles. Obviously, the Chinese military has been training with this new equipment which it hopes will greatly aid it in any possible military conflicts it initiates.
China is developing its hard power such as military force and air superiority to counter U.S. unipolarity. Hard power is coercive power and there is no better way to coerce a state into obliging you than through a strong military presence. China is an economical giant in this age as it produces much of the worlds products. To enter a new stage of dominance, and to challenge American superiority, it must develop its military, and thats what China intends to do with the development of the H-6 bomber.