Japan and New Zealand Express Serious Concern Over China’s Missile Test

Photo : AP

China announced on Wednesday that it has test-launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean, marking its first such exercise in decades. This missile launch, which took place at 08:44 on September 25, has sparked significant protests from neighboring countries, particularly Japan, which expressed "serious concern" over Beijing’s military buildup and noted that it had not received prior notice of the launch.

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In recent years, China has accelerated its nuclear development and defense spending, raising alarms in Washington. According to a Pentagon report from last October, China is modernizing its nuclear arsenal faster than the United States had anticipated. As of May 2023, China was estimated to have over 500 operational nuclear warheads, with projections suggesting that this number could exceed 1,000 by 2030.

China’s defense ministry stated that the missile was launched by its Rocket Force and carried a dummy warhead, landing in designated areas of the Pacific Ocean. The ministry characterized this test as a routine part of its annual training exercises, claiming it was in accordance with international law and not targeted at any specific nation.

However, this claim did little to alleviate concerns in Japan and New Zealand. Japan's government expressed its discontent, noting the lack of advance notice from China and labeling the military buildup as a "serious concern." Similarly, New Zealand described the missile launch as "an unwelcome and concerning development," with officials pledging to consult with Pacific allies regarding the implications of the test.

Historically, China has conducted ICBM tests within its own airspace, with its last test firing into the South Pacific occurring in the 1980s. This latest test signals a departure from that practice, leading experts to speculate about the motivations behind the launch. Ankit Panda, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, indicated that the test underscores China's ongoing modernization of its nuclear forces.

In November, the United States and China engaged in rare discussions on nuclear arms control, aimed at reducing mistrust ahead of a planned summit between President Joe Biden and President Xi Jinping. However, negotiations on nuclear non-proliferation have since been halted by China in response to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has identified China as possessing the world’s third-largest stockpile of nuclear warheads, trailing only Russia and the United States. China announced a 7.2 percent increase in its defense budget this year, reflecting its strategic competition with the U.S. and its allies across various fronts, including the South China Sea and Taiwan.

While China has historically maintained a modest nuclear arsenal since its first atomic test in 1964, under President Xi Jinping, it has embarked on a comprehensive military modernization effort. This initiative aims not only to deter adversaries but also to enhance its capacity for counter-attacks.

The test was conducted by China's Rocket Force, the branch responsible for the country's nuclear capabilities, which has been undergoing a significant anti-corruption campaign. Notable figures in the military have been investigated or replaced, including high-ranking officials from the Rocket Force and the defense ministry, amid concerns about corruption within its ranks.

Sept. 25, 2024 5:40 p.m. 445

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