China has successfully carried out the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) equipped with a dummy warhead, targeting the Pacific Ocean. The test occurred at 08:44 local time (04:44 GMT) and was confirmed by Beijing’s defense ministry, which stated that the missile “fell into expected sea areas.” Officials described this launch as a “routine” exercise and part of their “annual training.”
Details regarding the specific missile type and its trajectory remain undisclosed; however, state media indicated that China had “informed the relevant countries in advance.” Analysts expressed surprise at the classification of the test as “routine,” noting that the last ICBM launch of this nature took place in 1980. Traditionally, China’s nuclear tests have been conducted within domestic borders, typically in the Taklamakan Desert in Xinjiang.
This marks what is believed to be the first ICBM launch directed into international waters since 1980, with experts highlighting the unusual nature of such an announcement. Japan’s defense ministry reported no damage to its vessels following the test and stated their commitment to monitoring Chinese military movements closely.
Historically, the last major ICBM test in May 1980 saw a missile travel 9,070 km before landing in the Pacific, involving significant naval presence. Defense analysts suggest the launch serves as a strategic message amid rising tensions with neighboring countries, particularly Japan and Taiwan, and could be a tactical display aimed at the United States.
The strained relationship between China and the Philippines has also escalated, characterized by frequent maritime confrontations. Tensions further intensified last month when Japan scrambled fighter jets to intercept a Chinese reconnaissance aircraft, an incident deemed “utterly unacceptable” by Japanese officials.
Amid these developments, Taiwan’s defense ministry reported increased military activity from China, with 23 aircraft detected operating around Taiwan. Beijing routinely sends military assets into Taiwanese airspace and waters, a tactic viewed as part of “gray zone warfare” designed to normalize such incursions.
China’s nuclear strategy has come under scrutiny, particularly following its suspension of nuclear arms control talks with the U.S. earlier this year in response to American arms sales to Taiwan. Last year’s Pentagon report estimated that China possesses over 500 operational nuclear warheads, including around 350 ICBMs, with projections suggesting the arsenal could exceed 1,000 by 2030. Despite this growth, China’s stockpile remains considerably smaller than those of the U.S. and Russia, each claiming to have more than 5,000 warheads.
