China Launches Intercontinental Ballistic Missile to High Seas in Pacific Ocean
Chinese intercontinental missiles. X/ @dguajardo87
September 25, 2024 Hour: 8:48 am
The missile test may be aimed at deterring other countries from seeking nuclear coercion against China, a military analyst said.
On Wednesday morning, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force launched an intercontinental ballistic missile carrying a dummy warhead into the high seas in the Pacific Ocean.
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The missile fell into expected sea areas, the Chinese Defense Ministry said, adding that this was a routine arrangement in the annual training plan and relevant countries had been notified in advance. The launch tested weaponry performance and military training effectiveness and achieved desired goals.
The launch of the Chinese missile, however, sparked reactions in the region. Japan was one of the first governments to express its concern about a launch it said that it “was not informed of in advance,” although the projectile did not fly over Japanese territory before landing in the Pacific.
New Zealand called the missile tests “undesirable and concerning,” noting that China had not conducted this type of missile test in 44 years.
The launch coincides with recent tensions with Taiwan and in the South China Sea, a frequent scene of confrontations between Chinese and Filipino ships, and it could potentially lead to a conflict between China and the U.S., which has an alliance with Japan, India, and Australia (Quad).
Taiwan stated that its armed forces are closely monitoring the movements of the Chinese military following the launch and noted that it has observed “an increase in missile exercises and launches” by Chinese forces in recent days.
Experts believe today’s launch is aimed at assessing the reliability of the country’s intercontinental ballistic missiles. “The missile tested could be a DF-31 or a DF-41 and may aim to deter other countries from seeking nuclear coercion against China,” said military analyst Song Zhongping, as quoted by the South China Morning Post.
teleSUR/JF Sources: Xinhua – EFE
