China conducted a rare public test of an intercontinental ballistic missile, launching it into the Pacific Ocean. The missile, carrying a simulated warhead, landed in a predetermined area at sea. This test marks the first time since 1980 that China has launched an ICBM into international waters. The Chinese defense ministry stated that the test was part of routine annual military training and not directed against any specific country.
The People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force oversaw the test and stated that it achieved its desired goals. Experts noted that China’s nuclear arsenal has been rapidly modernizing in accordance with President Xi Jinping’s goal of having a “world class” military by 2049. China has a “no first use” policy on nuclear weapons, but a Pentagon report suggested that China was increasing its nuclear arsenal at a faster rate than expected.
The U.S. considers China its main threat in the Asia-Pacific region, and tensions have escalated between the two countries. China has suspended nuclear arms talks with the U.S. in response to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, a self-governing democracy that China claims as its territory. The region has also seen heightened military activity, including North Korea’s accelerated weapons testing and the U.S. deployment of an advanced missile system in the Philippines. China’s ICBM test adds to the uncertainty and concerns in the region.
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