China conducted a rare intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test on Wednesday, launching a missile with a dummy warhead into the Pacific Ocean, raising concerns about its nuclear capabilities, Reuters reports.
The launch, part of China’s annual military training, was intended to test weapon performance and troop readiness. China notified relevant countries in advance but did not disclose the missile’s path or landing zone. This move is unusual, as China typically conducts such tests in isolated provinces. This missile test signals China’s growing nuclear capabilities, amid efforts to modernize its arsenal in response to US missile defenses and alliances.
China’s nuclear arsenal is rapidly growing, with more than 500 operational warheads, including 350 ICBMs. The Pentagon predicts that China will likely have over 1,000 warheads by 2030. This contrasts with the US and Russia, which each have over 1,700 operational warheads.
The missile launch follows heightened tensions with Taiwan, where Chinese military activities have increased around the island, with Taiwan reporting 23 Chinese aircraft, including fighters and drones, conducting missions near the island.
