Beijing: China has stated that it has conducted a rare missile test in the Pacific Ocean on September 25, 2024. This move has called for serious concerns from top world leaders who believe that China is slowly advancing towards its nuclear power development.
The launch of the rarest ballistic missile, the ICBM, was carried out by the PLA (People's Liberation Army) Rocket Force which landed in the targeted areas of the sea. According to reports by the Chinese agency Xinhua, the missile launch tested the performance quality of arms and the "training level" of the army. The missile achieved all its goals.
This Chinese action has now brought in reactions from several leaders who say that China's military buildup might pose some threats especially to its neighbouring countries. Although a report from the Xinhua agency states that "the concerned nations were informed about the test in advance", Japan's top government representative has mentioned that the nation was not informed prior to the launching test.
On the other hand, New Zealand officials also said that the rare launch was an unwelcoming and concerning development coming from China. Meanwhile the U.S. in 2021 had expressed its concerns regarding China's increased missile tests.
In the context of this recent test launch, it has been seen over the years that Beijing has always followed the "no first use" policy in regards to nuclear arms. But according to Pentagon's last year estimation China is upgrading its military force at a slower pace, by testing missiles and further plans to increase its warheads over 1000 by the year 2030.