The Chinese military said it test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean in a rare test that could raise international concerns.
The People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force launched the missile carrying a dummy warhead at 8:44 a.m. local time, according to the defense ministry. The ministry added that the test “is in line with international law and international practice and is not directed against any country or target."
The ministry said the missile landed in the predetermined area of the high seas as planned.
Relevant countries were notified in advance, according to Xinhua, China’s state-run news agency, though the outlet did not specify which countries were informed.
"The launch tested weaponry performance and military training effectiveness and achieved desired goals," the outlet said.
China rarely test-fires intercontinental ballistic missiles into international waters.
“Unless I’m missing something, I think this is essentially the first time this has happened (and been announced as such) in a long time,” Ankit Panda, a nuclear weapons expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said on X.
Tuesday's launch came during the annual United Nations General Assembly in New York City.
China has put enormous resources into modernizing its military and its nuclear capabilities.
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A 2023 report from the Department of Defense revealed that China’s operational nuclear warheads stockpile has likely surpassed 400, and its stockpile could exceed 1,500 by 2035 at its current pace.
The Pentagon considers China its "pacing challenge," and it views Beijing as the only power with the intent and capability to reshape the international order in its favor. Beijing's military has recently been more aggressive toward other countries in the region, including Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines, over territorial claims.