China conducted a rare public test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean, raising 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 ICBM with a simulated warhead, which successfully landed in a predetermined area in the high seas. This was the first time China had launched an ICBM into international waters since 1980.
While China described the test as routine and annual, analysts found this unconvincing as China does not typically conduct such tests regularly. The U.S. considers China its main threat in the Asia-Pacific region, leading to concerns over the rapid modernization of China’s nuclear forces and military overall, with a 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. which does not. However, a recent Pentagon report revealed that China is expanding its nuclear arsenal faster than anticipated and on track to nearly quadruple its warheads by 2035. This growth in China’s nuclear arsenal has contributed to increased tensions in the region, especially with North Korea’s recent weapons testing and the U.S. deployment of advanced missile systems in the Philippines.
China’s test of an ICBM on Wednesday is seen within the context of heightened military activities in the Asia-Pacific region, signaling increased competition and potential conflicts among nuclear-armed states in the region.
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