How are China’s Type 052D destroyers shifting the balance in the western Pacific?

China's Type 052D destroyers are significantly expanding the People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN) long-range strike capabilities. Recent state television footage showed a Type 052D launching a YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile, a weapon previously associated with the larger Type 055 destroyers. As the PLAN has built far more Type 052D vessels, this development suggests Beijing can deploy this advanced missile more widely. This increased deployment of hypersonic anti-ship missiles from a larger number of warships could enhance the PLAN's ability to threaten US and allied naval forces in the western Pacific, particularly in the context of a potential conflict near Taiwan.