China has test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean for the first time in decades, as tensions grow between the US and its regional allies.
China’s Defense Ministry said the ICBM carried a dummy warhead and fell into a designated area of the sea.
It said the test was “routine” and part of its “annual training.”
China said the launch was not directed against any country or target.
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In May 1980, China launched its DF-5 missile into the South Pacific.
The US has said China has been building up its missile arsenal.
Co-director of the Nuclear Policy Program, James Acton, said the test was rare.
“When they haven’t done something for 44 years and then they do it, that’s significant,” Acton told The Associated Press.
“It’s China’s way of telling us, ‘Like you, we’re not ashamed we have nuclear weapons and we’re going to behave like a great nuclear power.’”
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“Timing is everything. The PLA statement claims the launch does not target any country, but there are high-levels of tension between China and Japan, Philippines, and of course perpetual tension with Taiwan,” he wrote on X.
“This launch is a powerful signal intended to intimidate everyone.”
* Original Article:
https://www.the-express.com/news/world-news/149699/china-ICBM-test-launch-missile-intercontinental-ballistic/amp
