BEIJING: China publicly acknowledged for the first time that it successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday (Sep 25), in a move likely to raise international concerns about the country’s nuclear build-up.
The ICBM, carrying a dummy warhead, was launched by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force at 8.44am Beijing time (0044 GMT) on Wednesday and “fell into expected sea areas”, the Chinese defence ministry said in a statement, adding it was a “routine arrangement in our annual training plan” and not directed at any country or target.
China “informed the countries concerned in advance”, according to a separate Xinhua report, which did not clarify the path of the missile or where exactly in the “high seas of the Pacific Ocean” it fell.
The launch “effectively tested the performance of weapons and equipment and the training level of the troops, and achieved the expected goal,” Xinhua reported.
The PLA Rocket Force, which oversees the country’s conventional and nuclear missiles, has been tasked with modernising China’s nuclear forces to deter developments such as improved United States missile defences, better surveillance capabilities, and strengthened alliances.
Some analysts, however, argue the speed of China’s nuclear build-up goes beyond a credible minimum deterrence.
Beijing says it adheres to a “no first use” policy.
