China Test-Fires Intercontinental Ballistic Missile into Pacific Ocean, Raises International Concerns

China’s Test-Firing of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Raises International Concerns

In a rare public test, China announced on Wednesday that it had successfully test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean. The People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force launched the ICBM carrying a simulated warhead, which landed in a predetermined area of the high seas.

While China described the test as routine and not directed against any specific country, analysts noted that this was the first time since 1980 that China had launched an ICBM into international waters. The test comes at a time of heightened tensions with the United States, as China continues to build up its nuclear arsenal.

The Japanese government expressed concern over China’s lack of transparency in its military activities and rapid expansion of its nuclear and missile arsenal. Japan, a U.S. treaty ally, has also been increasing its defense budget in response to what it sees as escalating Chinese military activity near its borders.

ICBMs, with a range of over 3,400 miles, are designed to carry nuclear warheads. China’s nuclear forces, overseen by the PLA Rocket Force, have been undergoing rapid modernization as part of President Xi Jinping’s goal of having a “world class” military by 2049.

The test-firing of the ICBM comes amid increased military activity in the Asia-Pacific region, with North Korea also conducting weapons tests and Taiwan facing growing military pressure from China. The U.S. has deployed advanced missile systems in the region, further escalating tensions.

As China continues to expand its nuclear capabilities and engage in military activities, the international community is closely monitoring the situation and its implications for regional security.