China has announced the successful launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) equipped with a dummy warhead, which landed in the Pacific Ocean.
The missile was launched at 08:44 local time (04:44 GMT) on Wednesday and fell into designated sea areas, according to Beijing’s defense ministry, which described the test as “routine” and part of annual training.
Details about the missile type and flight path were not specified, but state media indicated that China had informed relevant countries beforehand.
Analysts found the test surprising, noting that the last ICBM test occurred in 1980. Typically, China conducts its nuclear tests domestically, often firing ICBMs into the Taklamakan Desert in Xinjiang. This is believed to be the first launch into international waters since 1980.
“Nuclear tests like this are unusual for China,” said Ankit Panda, a specialist at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, highlighting the oddity of the “routine” and “annual” label for a test not conducted regularly.
Japan’s defense ministry reported no damage to its vessels from the launch and stated it would continue to monitor Chinese military movements.
The last ICBM test in May 1980 involved 18 naval ships and demonstrated significant capabilities, with the missile traveling 9,070 km into the Pacific.
John Ridge, a US defense analyst, suggested that this test might serve as posturing towards the United States amid ongoing tensions. Despite some improvement in relations over the past year, China’s assertiveness remains a concern, especially in the context of disputes with the Philippines and recent tensions with Japan over airspace violations.
Taiwan’s defense ministry reported increased Chinese military activity, including missile drills and the operation of 23 aircraft on long-range missions around Taiwan.
China regularly sends ships and aircraft into Taiwanese airspace, which analysts interpret as a tactic to normalize such incursions.
In July, China halted nuclear arms control discussions with the US in response to ongoing American arms sales to Taiwan. A Pentagon report last year estimated that China possesses over 500 operational nuclear warheads, with projections of more than 1,000 by 2030, although this is significantly less than the arsenals held by the US and Russia.
