China develops new stealth cruise missile

China has been reported to be developing a new stealth cruise missile with low-observable characteristics intended to defeat advanced air defense systems. The missile is assessed to incorporate RAM coatings, a blended-wing body design, and terrain-following guidance for penetrating layered integrated air defense networks. If fielded, it would complement China's existing YJ and CJ cruise missile families with a dedicated standoff penetrator for high-value defended targets. The development underscores the ongoing competition between Chinese offensive systems and U.S. and allied missile defense architectures.