China announced the successful test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday, describing it as a routine event within their annual training plan, Al Jazeera reports.
The launch, conducted by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force at 8:44 AM local time (00:55 GMT), involved a dummy warhead and landed in designated sea areas.
While the Ministry of Defence did not disclose the specific missile used, the DF-41, one of China’s newest ICBMs, is considered a strong candidate. The DF-41, showcased during the 70th anniversary celebrations of the People’s Republic of China in 2019, boasts a range of between 7,400 and 9,320 miles.
The state-run Xinhua news agency reported that relevant countries were notified in advance of the test. However, details regarding the missile’s trajectory or precise landing location were not provided.
According to Xinhua, the launch aimed to assess the performance of weaponry and equipment, as well as the training capabilities of the PLA Rocket Force. The force, responsible for overseeing China’s conventional and nuclear missiles, has been actively modernizing the country’s nuclear forces, especially in response to advancements in US missile defense systems, enhanced surveillance technology, and strengthened alliances.
The test comes amidst increasing concerns regarding the expansion of China’s nuclear arsenal. In October 2023, the US expressed concerns about the rapid development of China’s nuclear forces, noting that China possessed over 500 operational nuclear warheads as of May 2023 and is projected to exceed 1,000 by 2030.
