China’s military fires an ICBM into the Pacific, marking its first test in decades, raising concerns for Japan.
HONG KONG and LONDON — China just showed off its military strength by launching its first-ever intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test in decades into the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) confirmed that they fired up the missile, which had a fake warhead, into the ocean at around 8:44 AM, and it hit its target.
This launch is a big deal because it’s the first time they’ve done this since 1980.
The Chinese Ministry of Defense said this was just part of their yearly training and that they were following the rules.
They said they weren’t targeting anyone, but China’s news agency, Xinhua, said they let “relevant countries” know about it, which isn’t what Japan’s officials said.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Hayashi Yoshimasa, said they weren’t told in advance, and it looks like the missile flew over Japan without hitting anything.
This test launch is happening at a time when people are keeping an eye on China’s Rocket Force, which is in charge of missiles, because there’s been a lot of drama inside the group last year over corruption, leading to some big-shot military people getting kicked out.
But, some people think this missile test is just to show they’re still in the game, even with all the leadership changes.
China launched an ICBM toward the Pacific Ocean with a mock warhead for the 1st time in decades: pic.twitter.com/hP1Kbbsim7
— Carl Zha (@CarlZha) September 25, 2024
Also, launching this missile right before China’s 75th anniversary on October 1 seems like a way for Beijing to show off its military might during a time when the country is really proud of its history.
Meanwhile, as the U.N. General Assembly is happening in New York, U.S. President Joe Biden is talking about how important it is to get along with Japan and South Korea.
He’s saying these countries are key to fighting back against China’s growing power in the area.
“These partnerships are not against any country,” Biden said, showing that he’s serious about keeping the Indo-Pacific safe and open.
The U.S. has already been stepping up its game in the region, by sending mid-range missiles to the Philippines.
Yoshimasa pointed out Japan’s worries about China’s big defense budget and its military actions near Japan’s waters, stressing the need for China to be more open about what it’s doing.
“This is a big problem for Japan and the rest of the world,” Yoshimasa said, highlighting the tension that’s come with China’s push to show off its military might.