China’s Rare Missile Reveal Sends a Chilling Signal to the West

China’s state television just revealed new details about the DF-5B, one of its most powerful nuclear missiles. It’s a rare public disclosure — and a sign that Beijing is shifting its nuclear strategy as tensions rise and old arms control agreements fall apart.

The DF-5B can carry up to 10 warheads, each hundreds of times stronger than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Chinese media says the missile can travel about 12,000 kilometers (7,460 miles), far enough to strike most of the U.S. and Europe.

So why is China suddenly putting the spotlight on this missile? There is more to it than boasting.