China conducted a successful test-fire of an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean, raising international concerns as the country continues to build up its nuclear arsenal amid tensions with the United States. The People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force launched the missile carrying a simulated warhead, which landed in a specified area of the high seas. This was a rare public test, with analysts noting it was the first time since 1980 that China had launched an ICBM into international waters. While China described the test as routine and not directed against any specific country, experts questioned the frequency of such tests.
China’s nuclear forces have been rapidly modernizing under President Xi Jinping’s goal of having a “world class” military by 2049. The U.S. considers China its main threat in the Asia-Pacific region and a significant security challenge in the long term. China has a “no first use” policy on nuclear weapons, unlike the U.S. which does not. However, a Pentagon report revealed that China was increasing its nuclear arsenal faster than expected, with plans to nearly quadruple the number of warheads by 2035.
The test comes amid heightened military activity in the region, with nuclear-armed North Korea ramping up its weapons testing and the U.S. deploying advanced missile systems in the Asia-Pacific. China’s test adds to the already tense situation in the region, with concerns about escalating arms races and potential conflicts.
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