China recently conducted its first public test-launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), raising concerns about the country’s nuclear build-up. The missile, carrying a dummy warhead, was launched by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force into the Pacific Ocean. The Chinese Ministry of Defence stated that the launch was part of their annual training plan and not directed at any specific country or target.
Although the specific type of missile was not named, one of China’s newest ICBMs is the DF-41, with a range of 12,000 to 15,000km. The state-run Xinhua news agency reported that relevant countries were informed in advance of the test, but did not provide details on the missile’s path or where it landed. The launch was said to have tested the performance of weapons and achieved its expected goal.
The PLA Rocket Force is responsible for modernizing China’s nuclear forces in response to improvements in US missile defenses, surveillance capabilities, and strengthened alliances. The US has expressed concerns about China’s rapidly expanding nuclear arsenal, estimating that China had over 500 operational nuclear warheads as of May 2023 and predicting more than 1,000 by 2030.
As tensions between China and the US continue to rise, this test-launch of an ICBM is likely to escalate concerns about China’s nuclear capabilities and military ambitions. The international community will be closely monitoring developments and responses to this latest display of military power by China.
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