DF-31BJ Chinese Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)

The DF-31BJ Chinese Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) is a vital part of China's developing nuclear triad, which includes land-based ICBMs, submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and air-launched ballistic missiles (ALBMs). Its deployment in hardened silos gives China a reliable second-strike capability that complements its mobile ICBM force. The designation "DF-31BJ" has significant meaning in China's military nomenclature. The "BJ" suffix likely stands for "Bujing" or includes the character "井" (jing), which means "well." This term is used by the People's Liberation Army to describe missile silos. This naming convention highlights the missile's specific role as a silo-based variant of the mobile DF-31 family, specifically designed for deployment in China's extensive new missile silo fields.