China holds rare test of long-range missile into sea

Recently, China conducted a notable test of a long-range missile, which is a type of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of traveling vast distances. The launch occurred at 8:44 AM local time on a Wednesday, and the missile was reported to have a dummy warhead, indicating that it was not armed with a real explosive. The Chinese defense ministry characterized this test as a routine exercise that is part of their annual training program. However, the specific type of missile used and its flight path were not disclosed. Chinese state media claimed that they had informed relevant countries about the test in advance, but Japan later stated that they received no prior notice regarding the missile launch. This situation is particularly noteworthy because China typically conducts its missile tests within its own territory, and this is believed to be the first instance since 1980 that they have launched an ICBM into international waters. Ankit Panda, a specialist in nuclear weapons, remarked on social media that this announcement is quite significant, as it has been a long time since such a test has been publicly acknowledged. He also pointed out that China's description of the test as 'routine' and 'annual' is peculiar, given that they do not usually conduct such tests on a regular basis. The Japanese government confirmed that they were not informed about the missile launch beforehand, with government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi stating that there was no notice from China. Japan's defense ministry later reported that there was no damage to their vessels and emphasized their commitment to monitoring the movements of the Chinese military closely. When China last conducted a similar test in May 1980, the missile traveled an impressive distance of 9,070 kilometers and landed in the Pacific Ocean. That test involved a significant naval operation with 18 Chinese naval ships and is still regarded as one of China's largest naval missions. Drew Thompson, a research fellow at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore, commented on social media that the timing of this launch is crucial. He noted that while China claims the launch was not directed at any specific country, there are heightened tensions between China and Japan, the Philippines, and ongoing issues with Taiwan. He suggested that the launch serves as a powerful signal intended to intimidate other nations. John Ridge, a defense analyst based in the United States, indicated that China may have conducted this test as a form of posturing or signaling to the United States. Although relations between Beijing and Washington have improved over the past year, China's assertiveness in the region continues to be a point of contention. Tensions have escalated between the two nations, particularly as their ships have repeatedly clashed in disputed waters. Just last month, the Philippines accused a Chinese spy plane of violating its airspace, which they deemed 'utterly unacceptable. ' Additionally, Taiwan has been experiencing increased military activity from China, with reports of missile drills and military aircraft operating in the vicinity. Taiwan's defense ministry stated that they had detected 23 Chinese military aircraft engaged in long-range missions around Taiwan. China frequently sends ships and aircraft into Taiwanese waters and airspace, which analysts interpret as a tactic of 'greyzone warfare' aimed at normalizing these incursions. Earlier this year, China suspended its nuclear arms control discussions with the United States in response to various tensions. Last year, the Chinese Rocket Force, the elite unit responsible for managing the country's nuclear arsenal, faced scrutiny over corruption allegations. According to a Pentagon report published last year, China is estimated to possess a substantial number of nuclear warheads, with projections indicating that they could exceed 1,000 by the year 2030. However, this figure remains a fraction of the more than 5,000 warheads that both the United States and Russia claim to have in their arsenals.