By Laurie Chen and Ben Blanchard
BEIJING/TAIPEI (Reuters) – China announced on Wednesday the successful launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean, a development likely to heighten global concerns regarding the nation’s nuclear expansion.
According to a statement from the Chinese defense ministry, the ICBM, which was equipped with a dummy warhead, was launched by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force at 8:44 a.m. Beijing time (0044 GMT). The missile landed in the anticipated sea area, and the ministry emphasized that the launch was part of a “routine arrangement in our annual training plan,” not targeted at any specific nation or objective.
A separate report by Xinhua indicated that China had informed pertinent countries ahead of the launch. However, the report did not specify the missile’s flight path or the exact location within the “high seas of the Pacific Ocean” where it fell. The launch was reported to have “effectively tested the performance of weapons and equipment, as well as the training level of the troops,” achieving its intended goals.
A Japanese Coast Guard official confirmed receiving a navigation warning from China on Monday regarding “space debris” in three zones: the South China Sea, the Pacific north of the Philippines’ Luzon island, and the South Pacific. The official did not confirm if this was related to the missile launch.
Analysts noted that it is uncommon for China to test long-range missiles into the sea, as it usually conducts such tests unannounced in remote provinces like Inner Mongolia.
The PLA Rocket Force, responsible for China’s conventional and nuclear missiles, is focused on modernizing the nuclear arsenal in response to advancements in U.S. missile defense, surveillance capabilities, and strengthened alliances. Some analysts argue that the pace of China’s nuclear expansion exceeds what would be considered credible minimum deterrence—the minimal strategic arsenal needed to ward off attacks.
China maintains a “no first use” nuclear weapons policy but is reportedly advancing towards a triad of land, sea, and air-based nuclear capabilities, in line with other major nuclear powers.
The Chinese military has reiterated that the Central Military Commission, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, holds the sole authority over the country’s nuclear forces.
Previously criticized by the U.S. for the lack of transparency in its nuclear build-up, China discontinued nuclear talks with Washington in July following U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.
The Pentagon estimated last year that China’s arsenal consists of over 500 operational nuclear warheads, approximately 350 of which are ICBMs. This number is projected to exceed 1,000 by 2030. Additionally, China is reportedly constructing hundreds of new silos for its land-based ICBMs, and many of these weapons are expected to be maintained at higher readiness levels by 2030.
For context, the U.S. and Russia have deployed 1,770 and 1,710 operational warheads, respectively.
Meanwhile, Taiwan, which China claims as its territory, has reported increased Chinese military activities around the island over the past five years. On Wednesday, Taiwan’s defense ministry detected 23 Chinese military aircraft, including J-16 fighters and drones, conducting long-range missions to the southeast and east of the island.
The ministry also reported “intensive” Chinese missile firings and other drills, though specific details of these activities were not disclosed. Taiwan has dispatched air and naval forces to monitor the situation closely.
