In China, a first since the 1980s: the Ministry of Defense announced on Wednesday, September 25, that it had tested an intercontinental ballistic missile in the Pacific Ocean. A rare communication from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), for a highly unusual test in the context of Sino-American rivalry over Taiwan and sovereignty in the South China Sea.
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As tensions mount between the China and its neighbors, Japan has called Beijing’s military buildup a ” serious concern “. The same goes for New Zealand, which considers this launch ” worrying and unwanted ” Contrary to what the Chinese agency Xinhua claims, Tokyo claims not to have been alerted of the missile launch. Even though, according to a Japanese coast guard official quoted by Reuters, his organization was warned of potential debris fallout in the South China Sea, the North Pacific and the South Pacific.
No details from Beijing
No details have been provided by Beijing, whether the launch was carried out by a submarine or from land, and on the site struck by the intercontinental ballistic missile on which a dummy charge was mounted. In its short statement, the Chinese Ministry of Defense refers to a routine launch as part of its annual training program, but it is highly unusual.
Beijing seeks to double its nuclear weapons stockpile
The Chinese military’s Rocket Force, the body in charge of ballistic development, typically conducts its tests in Chinese airspace. But the United States believes Beijing is seeking to double its number of nuclear warheads by 2030. A goal that requires testing its missiles in real conditions.
For its part, Australia has asked ” asked China for an explanation ” on this launch, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told AFP, denouncing any action ” destabilizing ” Who “ increases the risk of an error in the region “.
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