China made headlines by publicly acknowledging the successful launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean. The missile, carrying a dummy warhead, was launched as part of routine training and testing by the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force. China reassured that the launch was not directed at any specific country or target.
The move is likely to raise international concerns about China’s nuclear build-up, especially as the PLA Rocket Force continues to modernize the country’s nuclear forces. With over 500 operational nuclear warheads currently in its arsenal, China is expected to have over 1,000 warheads by 2030.
Beijing insists on its adherence to a “no first use” policy and stresses that President Xi Jinping’s Central Military Commission is the sole nuclear command authority. However, some analysts believe that China’s nuclear build-up goes beyond credible deterrence.
Meanwhile, democratically governed Taiwan has reported increased Chinese military activities around the island, including recent missions by Chinese military aircraft and missile drills.
As tensions rise in the region, it is essential to monitor China’s nuclear developments and their impact on global security.
© Thomson Reuters 2024.