China Launches Intercontinental Ballistic Missile into Pacific Ocean, Breaking Decades-Long Streak

Photo : AP

China successfully conducted a test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean, marking a significant development in its military capabilities. The test, described by Beijing as a routine component of annual military exercises, was the first of its kind since 1980, raising eyebrows among experts and analysts alike. The People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force carried out the launch at 8:44 a.m. local time (8:44 p.m. Tuesday ET), with the Chinese defense ministry announcing that the missile, carrying a simulated warhead, accurately landed in a predetermined area of the high seas. However, the precise trajectory of the missile and its landing spot remain unspecified.

In its statement, the defense ministry emphasized that the test was in accordance with international law and not aimed at any particular nation or target. Despite this, analysts expressed skepticism regarding the characterization of the test as routine, given the long hiatus since the last public ICBM launch into international waters. Ankit Panda, a nuclear weapons expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, pointed out that the announcement of such a launch was unprecedented in recent years.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

The timing of the launch coincided with the annual United Nations General Assembly in New York, which adds a layer of geopolitical significance. According to China's state-run news agency, Xinhua, the test was intended to evaluate weapon performance and military training effectiveness, achieving its intended goals. The U.S. was informed in advance of the missile test, which Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh lauded as a positive step that could help avert misunderstandings.

Japanese officials also responded to the launch, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirming that the missile did not appear to have flown over Japan and that no damage was reported. Nonetheless, he expressed concern over China’s increasing nuclear and missile capabilities, which have been accompanied by a lack of transparency regarding its defense spending. Hayashi highlighted the implications of these developments for Japan and the broader international community, especially in light of recent incursions into Japanese airspace by Chinese military aircraft.

ICBMs are designed to carry nuclear warheads over vast distances, typically exceeding 3,400 miles. While China has historically tested such missiles over its own territory, this launch represents a notable shift in its testing protocol. The Rocket Force is responsible for both conventional and nuclear missile systems, and the U.S. views China's military advancements as a primary security concern in the Asia-Pacific region.

Last year, a significant leadership change took place within the Rocket Force, indicating possible concerns in Beijing regarding its operational readiness. President Xi Jinping has made it a priority to modernize China’s military, with the goal of establishing a “world-class” force by 2049. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute's recent assessment noted an increase in China’s nuclear arsenal from 410 warheads in January 2023 to an estimated 500 in January 2024, contrasting sharply with the U.S. and Russia’s larger stockpiles.

While China maintains a policy of “no first use” regarding nuclear weapons, U.S. officials have indicated that China is accelerating its nuclear capabilities at an unexpected pace. Recent reports suggest that China may be on track to increase its nuclear arsenal to 1,500 warheads by 2035. The ICBM test could signal to the U.S. that any direct intervention in a potential conflict involving Taiwan might expose the mainland to missile threats, while simultaneously demonstrating to regional allies China's readiness to engage on multiple fronts.

In the context of escalating military tensions in the Asia-Pacific, including North Korea's accelerated missile testing and China's increased military maneuvers around Taiwan, this missile test underscores the necessity for strengthened trilateral security cooperation among the U.S., Japan, and South Korea. The region is experiencing heightened military activity, with North Korea's recent launches seen as responses to joint military drills by the U.S. and its allies.

Overall, the recent ICBM test not only reflects China's evolving military strategy but also raises significant concerns regarding stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region, as nations grapple with the implications of a rapidly modernizing Chinese military.