BEIJING, China: On Thursday, China defended its recent intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test, describing the launch as “legitimate and routine.”
This marked China’s first ICBM test in four decades, and the missile reportedly carried a dummy warhead. The announcement sparked significant regional backlash, with neighboring countries expressing concerns over the implications of such military activity.
Japan voiced its discontent, stating that it had not received advance notice of the launch, while Taiwan issued a statement of “solemn condemnation.” Australia and New Zealand also reacted with unease; Australia requested clarification on the launch, and New Zealand called it an “unwelcome and concerning development.”
Additionally, the President of French Polynesia reported that the missile landed near the Marquesas Islands, an area within its exclusive economic zone. The French High Commission indicated that while the Chinese authorities had notified France about the test, the situation remains a point of contention.
In response to international criticism, China’s defence ministry reiterated that its nuclear policy is stable and defensive. Spokesman Zhang Xiaogang emphasized that China adheres to a “no first use” policy regarding nuclear weapons, and it does not seek an arms race. He stated that China’s nuclear capabilities are maintained at a minimum level necessary for national security.
Despite these assurances, analysts suggest that the missile test sends a strong signal of military capability, particularly to the United States and its allies. The Pentagon noted that China currently possesses over 500 operational nuclear warheads and could exceed 1,000 by 2030, highlighting concerns about the rapid expansion of China’s nuclear arsenal. As tensions between China and the U.S. continue to escalate, this missile launch could further complicate the geopolitical landscape in the region.
