Beijing Deploys 155mm PLZ‑05 Howitzers Along Taiwan Strait
On April 15, Xinhua released a photo of 120 PLZ‑05 howitzers parked along the eastern Taiwan Strait, a move that replaces the older 122‑mm artillery. The upgrade brings a longer range and heavier shell to the front line. It signals a tangible shift in China’s cross‑strait posture. The deployment raises the stakes for Taiwan’s security and regional stability.
What Happened
Xinhua reported on April 15 that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has moved 120 PLZ‑05 self‑propelled howitzers to positions near the Kinmen islands, a strategically sensitive zone within the Taiwan Strait. The howitzers, each mounting a 155‑mm gun, replace the older 122‑mm guns that had been the backbone of the PLA’s coastal artillery. According to the state media, the units are now stationed on the eastern shore of the Strait, within striking distance of the Taiwanese mainland. The deployment is part of a broader modernization drive that includes new missile systems and improved command and control. A small concrete detail noted in the photo is a green‑painted 155‑mm shell marked “K-1” on the rail of one howitzer.
Source: Xinhua (April 15, 2024).
Why It Matters
China’s shift from 122‑mm to 155‑mm artillery reflects a broader pattern of military modernization that has been underway for the past decade. The longer range of the PLZ‑05—up to
Despite its size, the PLZ‑05 can fire a 155 mm projectile at a muzzle velocity of 950 m/s, matching the speed of many modern short‑range ballistic missiles.
