Military vehicles carry DF-31A long-range missiles past the Tian'anmen Square during a parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, in Beijing, September 3, 2015. (Photo/Agencies)
Intercontinental ballistic missile
The PLA's Rocket Force has become more versatile as its missiles have become "smaller, more powerful and more accurate", the force said in June.
In the past, missile launches were carried out by top soldiers handpicked from a whole brigade, but now any launch team randomly drawn can carry out a mission.
According to PLA Daily, the Rocket Force has at least nine types of missiles in active service, including the DF-31A intercontinental ballistic missile, the DF-26 intermediate-range ballistic missile and the CJ-10A ground-launched cruise missile.