For the first time in 44 years, China sends nuclear message to the US. Details here | Foreign Affairs Defense Security News

China’s DF-31A intercontinental ballistic missile in Beijing. Image credit: IceUnshattered (Wikimedia Commons)

4 minutes reading Last Update : Sep 25, 2024 | 11:48 AM ISTANBUL

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) conducted its first known intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test in 44 years on Wednesday morning, reportedly launching an ICBM capable of reaching the mainland United States (US) and reaching the Pacific Ocean. South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported, citing the Chinese Ministry of Defense.

The latest intercontinental ballistic missile developed by China is the DF-41, which was unveiled in 2017 and reportedly has an operational range of 12,000-15,000 kilometers, making it capable of striking the US mainland.

Intercontinental ballistic missiles generally have a range exceeding 5,500 km and are manufactured to carry nuclear warheads.

What was the purpose of China’s latest intercontinental ballistic missile test?

The Chinese Ministry of Defense confirmed that the PLA Rocket Force successfully launched an ICBM equipped with a simulated warhead. SCMP “It was stated in the report that it landed accurately in a predetermined sea area in international waters.”

According to a statement from the ministry, the missile test is a “routine arrangement” of the annual military training of the Missile Forces Command and is an application in which the weapon systems, equipment and the training level of the troops are effectively tested.

The statement said the missile test “achieved the expected purpose” and that China “informed relevant countries in advance.”

It is said to be China’s first known successful atmospheric ICBM test in international waters in 44 years. SCMP Report. The last similar test took place in May 1980, when a DF-5, China’s first ICBM, flew more than 9,000 km.

Why did China test-fire an intercontinental ballistic missile now?

China’s latest ICBM test comes amid increased missile activity in the Asia-Pacific region. Earlier this month, North Korea conducted multiple short-range ballistic missile tests launched toward the Sea of Japan.

In April, the U.S. Army deployed the intermediate-range missile system during joint exercises with the Philippines. SCMP The report said this was the first deployment to the Asia-Pacific region since the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty signed between the United States and the Soviet Union in 1987, which banned land-based missiles with ranges between 500km and 5,500km.

But after the US withdrew from the INF treaty in 2019, citing Russian violations, it resumed development of intermediate-range missiles to coincide with China’s growing missile capabilities.

What did China’s latest missile test achieve?

To talk SCMPmilitary commentator Song Zhongping emphasized that the latest test was the second comprehensive assessment of China’s ICBM capabilities. According to Song, the test demonstrated the reliability of China’s missile technology.

Song said that in the latest test, Rocket Force tested the missile’s “full trajectory” by launching it “into a specific area of the Pacific Ocean.” This, he said, represents a “comprehensive evaluation” of the weapon system and also shows that Rocket Force’s missile technology is “mature” and has “reliable” performance, and that the force has “strong operational capabilities.”

According to Song, the ICBM tested could have been a DF-31 or a DF-41. “This capability could deter some countries from attempting nuclear coercion against China,” he noted.

What are China’s bigger missile plans?

The Pentagon’s report on China’s military and security developments, published in October last year, stated that the PLA Rocket Force is “advancing long-term modernization plans to enhance its ‘strategic deterrence’ capabilities, including the development of new intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).”

The report also noted that China “has doubled and continues to increase the number of launchers on most ICBM units,” estimating that by 2022 there will be around 350 ICBMs, including the DF-31 and DF-41 models, and three new solid-fuel silo sites are under construction.

First Published: Sep 25, 2024 | 11:47 AM ISTANBUL