China’s army views ballistic missiles primarily as tools for rapid, precise, and shock‑and‑awe strikes in the early phases of conflict, as well as for anti‑access/area‑denial (A2/AD) and quick reaction throughout any engagement. The doctrine emphasizes pre‑emptive or surprise strikes to break the battlefield stalemate, after which air, naval and ground forces are brought to bear.
China currently possesses the world’s largest stockpile of various ballistic missiles. While the inventory is growing, it remains insufficient for a prolonged attritional war. The People’s Liberation Army is organized into four main services—ground, air, navy and missile forces (the latter serving as the core of nuclear and conventional deterrence)—and four strategic support services overseeing space, cyber, information and joint logistics, all under the Central Military Commission and President Xi Jinping’s leadership.