China has conducted its first public test-launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), raising concerns about its nuclear build-up. The missile, carrying a dummy warhead, was launched into the Pacific Ocean by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force as part of a routine training exercise. The Chinese Ministry of Defence stated that the launch was not aimed at any specific country or target.
While the specific ICBM tested was not named, it is believed that it could be the DF-41, which has a range of between 12,000 and 15,000km. The launch was reported to have achieved its expected goal in testing the performance of weapons and equipment, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency.
The PLA Rocket Force has been tasked with modernizing China’s nuclear forces in response to improved US missile defenses and surveillance capabilities. The US has expressed concerns over China’s rapid development of its nuclear arsenal, estimating that China could have more than 1,000 operational nuclear warheads by 2030.
The news of China’s ICBM test-launch is likely to heighten tensions and raise questions about the country’s nuclear ambitions. The international community will be closely monitoring China’s actions and response to this latest development.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
