China Confirms Successful ICBM Launch into Pacific, Raising International Concerns

China publicly acknowledged on Wednesday that it successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean, marking the first time the country has disclosed such an event. The announcement is likely to heighten international concerns over China’s growing nuclear capabilities.

The ICBM, carrying a dummy warhead, was launched by the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force at 8:44 a.m. Beijing time (0044 GMT). According to a statement from China’s defense ministry, the missile “fell into expected sea areas” in the Pacific Ocean. The ministry stressed that the launch was part of a “routine arrangement in our annual training plan” and was not aimed at any specific country or target.

China’s state news agency, Xinhua, reported that concerned countries were notified in advance, but did not provide specifics on the missile’s flight path or the exact location where it fell in the Pacific.

The launch was described as a successful test, aimed at evaluating the performance of China’s weapons systems and the training level of its troops. The People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force, which manages China’s nuclear arsenal, has been focused on modernizing the country’s nuclear deterrent to address advancements in U.S. missile defenses and surveillance, as well as bolstered alliances.

While China maintains a “no first use” nuclear policy, some analysts argue that the pace of its nuclear build-up surpasses what is necessary for a credible deterrent. Beijing has consistently defended its policies, emphasizing that its Central Military Commission, led by President Xi Jinping, is the sole nuclear command authority.

China’s growing nuclear arsenal, currently estimated at over 500 operational warheads—including around 350 ICBMs—is expected to surpass 1,000 warheads by 2030, according to a Pentagon report. The U.S. and Russia each deploy around 1,700 operational nuclear warheads.

Tensions with Taiwan

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s defense ministry reported increased Chinese military activity around the island on Wednesday. The ministry detected 23 Chinese military aircraft, including J-16 fighters and drones, conducting long-range missions to the southeast and east of Taiwan. This follows Taiwan’s recent observation of “intensive” Chinese missile firings and drills.

In response, Taiwan has dispatched air and naval forces to monitor the situation, amid rising tensions between the two nations. Taiwan has frequently voiced concerns over China’s growing military presence near its territory, particularly in the past five years.

The ICBM launch, coupled with rising military activity around Taiwan, underscores growing regional and international anxieties regarding China’s expanding military capabilities.