China’s Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Launch Raises Concerns

China’s Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Launch into Pacific Ocean Raises Concerns

China’s recent decision to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean has sparked concerns from foreign affairs minister Winston Peters and foreign policy experts. This marks the first time in 44 years that China has conducted such a missile launch into the Pacific.

The missile, carrying a dummy warhead, was launched as part of China’s “routine arrangement in our annual training plan,” according to the Chinese defense ministry. The ministry emphasized that the missile was not directed at any specific country or target and landed in the expected sea areas.

Minister Peters expressed his unease over the missile launch, calling it an unwelcome development that jeopardizes the peaceful and stable region that Pacific leaders have been striving for. He has engaged with Pacific partners to address the situation and gather more information.

Associate professor Nicholas Khoo from the University of Otago highlighted the significance of the missile landing in the South Pacific, signaling a new era of great power competition. He emphasized the need for a regional response to ensure stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

Ankit Panda, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, noted the rarity of such missile tests in the South Pacific and suggested that China may be aiming to demonstrate the credibility of its nuclear capabilities. While the United States was informed about the test, Panda raised concerns about the potential for more regular missile tests in the future.

The Chinese Embassy has yet to comment on the missile launch, leaving many questions about the implications and future actions surrounding this event.