How China's 12,400-mile-range nuclear missile stays launch-ready

China’s DF-5C is a newly unveiled liquid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) boasting a range exceeding 20,000 kilometers (12,400 miles), significantly surpassing the U.S. Minuteman III’s range. As the latest upgrade in the Dongfeng-5 series, the DF-5C can reportedly carry up to 10 multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs). A key feature highlighted during its military parade debut is its claimed ability to remain “always on alert and capable of striking anywhere in the world,” suggesting advances that allow the missile to stay launch-ready for extended periods despite the traditional challenges of liquid-fuel missiles, such as toxic fuels and complex fueling procedures. The DF-5C appears to incorporate technological innovations, such as flexible silver-grey materials around its engine nozzles, which may represent breakthroughs in rapid fueling or fuel storage, enabling constant readiness. Strategically, this enhances China’s second-strike nuclear capability, reinforcing its