Yang said the DF-41's flight tests had all been successful, testifying to the reliability of the missile's technology.

He said the missile's appearance at the parade was intended to tell the world that China, as a responsible world power, has the capability and means to safeguard its national security and interests.

A military researcher with knowledge of China's missile programs, who requested anonymity, said the DF-41 incorporates some cutting-edge technologies, such as the latest information-processing measures, noting that it performed better than its foreign counterparts in some key aspects for ballistic missiles.

She also said the large number of DF-41 missiles taking part in the parade indicated that it has entered mass production and China is able to build it quickly if necessary.