The growing range of launch platforms and the introduction of hypersonic weapons could complicate US and allied operations in a potential conflict over Taiwan. The latest demonstration came last week, when Chinese state broadcaster CCTV released footage showing a Type 052D destroyer launching a YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile from its vertical launch system. The weapon is among the first sea-based hypersonic anti-ship missiles to enter mass production in China. Growing network of anti-ship weapons The first island chain stretches from Japan through Taiwan and toward the Philippines and Borneo, forming a key geographic barrier across the western Pacific. Analysts say this creates a layered defensive network capable of attacking naval forces from different directions and at varying distances.