Having a technologically advanced weapon is one thing - but if you've got a breakthrough the other side doesn't have... that's significant. Has been since the days of the catapult.

When i first saw news about hyper-sonic-weapons i thought ok, China's is testing the latest weapon-tech - not too surprised - but i didn't realize they are the world leaders in it.

Put that together with cyber-warfare/AI fighter capability - you've got a strong hand in WW3.

Defense News: It is widely acknowledged to be the leader in the field of hypersonic systems, having already fielded such weapons in the form of the DF-17 hypersonic glide vehicle.

The DF-17 HGV made its first public appearance at a military parade held in China’s capital Beijing in late 2019.

Lot of crazy shit happened in late 2019.

Hypersonic missiles can travel at 5 times the speed of sound, supposedly. That's 761 mph x 5 = 3805 mph (6124kph). Fast enough to evade missile defense systems.

Shame they couldn't do that with planes - i could fly to Taiwan in hour.