Written By Lisa Murimi
China successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) carrying a dummy warhead into the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday.
According to Beijing’s defence ministry, the ICBM was launched at 08:44 local time (04:44 GMT) and “fell into expected sea areas.”
The ministry described the test as “routine” and part of its “annual training,” though the type of missile and flight path remain undisclosed.
While Chinese state media reported that “countries concerned” were informed in advance, Japan’s government claimed they had received no prior notice.
“There was no notice from the Chinese side,” said Japanese government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi, adding that no damage was reported to Japanese vessels.
This is the first time since 1980 that China has launched an ICBM into international waters.
Analysts view the move as significant.
Ankit Panda, a nuclear weapons specialist, noted that Beijing’s description of the launch as “routine” was unusual, considering such tests are not common.
Tensions between China and neighbouring countries, including Japan, T aiwan, and the Philippines, have escalated in recent months.
Some experts suggest the test was intended as a powerful signal, possibly aimed at both regional rivals and the United States, amid growing geopolitical strains
