China test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into international waters on Wednesday, its first such test in over 40 years. Beijing called the launch “routine” and said it was not aimed at any specific country, but neighbouring nations including Japan, Australia, and New Zealand expressed concerns. Japan, in particular, said it received no warning of the test.
The ICBM test, which highlights China’s expanding long-range nuclear capabilities, has raised tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. The US has warned that China has been increasing its nuclear arsenal, though Beijing’s stockpile remains significantly smaller than that of the US and Russia. The test missile carried a dummy warhead and landed in the South Pacific, signaling China’s ongoing nuclear modernisation.
Analysts suggest the test was not primarily political but still sends a strong message to regional powers and the US. Australia and New Zealand have called the launch destabilising, while Japan voiced “serious concern” over China’s military build-up.
Experts see the move as a reminder of the rapidly changing nuclear dynamics in Asia, with China’s nuclear capabilities continuing to grow amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Source: BBC
