China conducted a test-firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean, marking the first public test of its kind in decades. The missile was launched by the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force and carried a simulated warhead, landing in a predetermined area of the high seas. China described the test as routine and annual, claiming it was not directed at any specific country or target.
Analysts noted that this test was unusual for China, as the country typically tests long-range missiles over its own land. The launch was part of China’s efforts to modernize its nuclear arsenal and military, in line with President Xi Jinping’s goal of having a “world class” military by 2049. China adheres to a “no first use” policy on nuclear weapons, in contrast to the U.S.
The U.S. has expressed concerns over China’s rapid buildup of nuclear capabilities, with a Pentagon report stating that China could quadruple its number of warheads to 1,500 by 2035. This growth in China’s nuclear arsenal has raised tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, especially with ongoing missile testing by North Korea and the U.S. deploying advanced missile systems in the region.
The test-firing of the ICBM comes at a time of increased military activity in the Asia-Pacific region, with various countries enhancing their missile capabilities. This test also follows China suspending nuclear arms talks with the U.S. in response to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. These developments highlight the growing security challenges in the region as countries like China, North Korea, and the U.S. continue to strengthen their military capabilities.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com