Is China preparing to unveil its new HQ-29 ballistic missile defence system?

Footage on social media of what appears to be the new Chinese HQ-29 ballistic missile defence system on the move has triggered speculation that it could make its debut at a military parade in Beijing in September.

The system has yet to be officially acknowledged but is believed to be more advanced than known Chinese missile shields including the HQ-19, which has been likened to the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system.

A video clip posted on Tuesday to Chinese social media shows the six-axle transporter erector launcher – a vehicle used to transport and launch missiles – carrying two large missile canisters, each about 1.5 metres (4.9 feet) in diameter.

According to the post, the vehicle was headed towards Beijing and it was suggested that could be in preparation for its first public appearance, at a military parade on September 3 marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The system seen in the video looks much like the transporter erector launcher spotted on a road in March, which military watchers at the time speculated was the new HQ-29.

Screenshots of the clip posted last week have been widely circulated on social media, reigniting discussion about China’s multilayered ballistic missile defence shield – of which the HQ-29 is seen as the missing top layer.