Hong Kong (CNN) — China announced a successful launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday, marking a significant and rare public test. Analysts suggest this test sends a pointed message to the United States and its allies, occurring amid heightened tensions in the region.
The missile, carrying a dummy warhead, was launched at 8:44 a.m. Beijing time, according to China’s Defense Ministry. It landed in a designated area in the Pacific Ocean, though specific details about the missile’s flight path and landing location were not provided.
According to the ministry, the launch was part of the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force’s annual training program and not directed at any specific country or target. This launch coincides with joint naval exercises conducted by China and Russia near Japan.
State-run news agency Xinhua reported that the test successfully evaluated the performance of the missile system and the training level of the troops involved. China had notified relevant countries in advance of the test, in line with international norms, according to the report.
US Reaction
The Pentagon confirmed it had received “some advanced notification” of the test, describing this communication from Beijing as “a step in the right direction” in efforts to prevent any potential misperception or miscalculation.
A Rare Public Display of ICBM Capability
This is the first time in over 40 years that China has publicly tested an ICBM over the Pacific Ocean. The last such test occurred in 1980 when China launched its first ICBM, the DF-5, over 8,000 kilometers (5,000 miles) into the South Pacific.
Since then, China has primarily conducted missile tests within its own territory, with many landing in the deserts of Xinjiang. However, this recent test highlights China’s evolving missile capabilities. The type of ICBM launched was not specified, but China’s latest known ICBM, the DF-41, is believed to have a range of 12,000 to 15,000 kilometers, capable of reaching the US mainland.
Strategic Implications
Analysts believe this test sends a message to the United States and its allies about China’s ability to strike long-range targets, including the American homeland, should conflicts arise, particularly over Taiwan.
Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, commented that the test serves as a warning to Washington that intervention in a potential Taiwan Strait conflict could leave the US vulnerable to attack. For US allies in Asia, this launch demonstrates China’s capability to engage on multiple fronts amid broader military exercises.
Drew Thompson, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, emphasized the significance of China choosing to publicize this launch, suggesting it was designed to send a strong signal to regional powers amid escalating tensions.
Ongoing Regional Tensions
The missile test follows weeks of heightened military activity in the region. Japan has protested recent incursions by Chinese and Russian military aircraft into its airspace, while Chinese and Philippine vessels have clashed near contested waters. Taiwan also reported an increase in missile drills and military activities conducted by China near the self-ruled island.
“This is quite a statement to launch a ballistic missile into the Pacific at this time when China is in conflict with many of its neighbors,” Thompson noted.
International Protocols and Notifications
Although the Chinese government did not notify Japan about the missile test, Beijing informed the Japan Coast Guard on Monday about potential “space debris” that could fall into the Pacific. The notification covered areas near the Philippine island of Luzon and other parts of the South Pacific.
While China is not party to a formal international agreement requiring missile launch notifications, it has a bilateral agreement with Russia to provide such notices. This practice dates back to the Cold War, when the US and the Soviet Union established protocols to prevent miscalculation during missile tests.
Military Expansion
Under President Xi Jinping, China has expanded its nuclear capabilities and revamped its Rocket Force, which oversees the country’s growing arsenal of nuclear and ballistic missiles. Satellite images in recent years have revealed new ICBM silo construction in China’s deserts, signaling significant advancements in missile capabilities.
The Pentagon estimates that China will likely exceed 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030, up from more than 500 operational warheads in 2023. Some experts believe this ICBM test was also meant to demonstrate that China’s military remains prepared and capable despite recent corruption scandals that led to the purge of several senior generals in the Rocket Force.
The test underscores China’s growing military power as it seeks to assert itself on the global stage amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
This story has been updated to include additional context on regional tensions and international responses.