China Conducts First Publicized ICBM Test in Decades
China conductsConducts firstFirst publicPublicized testICBM launchTest ofin intercontinental ballistic missileDecades
The Facts
The People's Liberation Army's Rocket Force, which oversees the modernization of China's conventional and nuclear missiles, on Wednesday successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).The People's Liberation Army's (PLA) Rocket Force, which is responsible for China's conventional and nuclear missiles, successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Wednesday.
According to the Chinese defense ministry, the missile carried a dummy warhead and landed in the Pacific Ocean. The ministry stated that the launch was part of its regular yearly training schedule and was not aimed at any specific country.According to the Chinese Defense Ministry, the missile carried a dummy warhead and landed in the Pacific Ocean. The ministry stated that the launch was part of its regular yearly training schedule and was not aimed at any specific country.
The Spin
China launched an ICBM on Wednesday, just as world leaders convened in New York for the UN General Assembly. It was a blatant demonstration of China's military strength. Chinaas isit currentlyworks working to expand its nuclear arsenal, and the missile launched could be a newer generation of ICBMs that have never been tested before in the Pacific. Beijing is displaying to the world that it can launch strategic weapons against any country. However, Washington and its allies will not succumb to intimidation.
China has theevery complete right to test ICBMs. It is hardly anything to be upset about, considering that it is within China's sovereign right to do so. China has previouslybeen statedtransparent thatabout it is actively developing its nuclear arsenal buildup, which requires testing to ensure its functionality. The launch was part of a military drill in which the PLA evaluated munitions and personnel readiness. The ICBM launch was in accordance with international law, and China announced the test well in advance. ItIf isanything, importantthis todemonstrates rememberBeijing's thatstrengthening themilitary testcorrespondence waswith notother targeted at any one countrynations.
