China has confirmed the test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) over the Pacific Ocean, marking its first such test since the early 1980s. The missile, equipped with a dummy warhead, was launched by the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF) at 8:44am Beijing time on Wednesday, flying over the northern tip of the Philippines and landing in the Pacific’s “high seas.”
The Chinese defense ministry described the test as part of routine annual training, stating that the missile fell into its “expected sea areas” and emphasizing that the launch was not aimed at any specific country or target. However, the test has drawn international attention amid concerns over China’s growing nuclear capabilities.
State media outlet Xinhua reported that China had notified “concerned” countries ahead of the launch, though specific nations were not identified. The test comes at a time when Beijing’s nuclear arsenal is under increasing global scrutiny, further raising questions about its military modernization and strategic ambitions.
Analysts believe the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launched by China was likely fired from Hainan or nearby areas and landed near French Polynesia. This trajectory aligns with reports from the Philippines and a Notice to Airmen (Notam) issued for the region close to the French territory.
The Notam warned airspace users of “the particularly dangerous nature” of aerospace activity and strongly advised them to avoid the area during a specified time window, which concluded around 105 minutes after the reported missile launch by the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF). However, the notice did not specifically mention any Chinese military operations.
China’s People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF), which oversees the country’s conventional and nuclear missiles, is responsible for strengthening China’s nuclear deterrence, particularly in response to U.S. military advancements. Despite maintaining a “no first use” policy on nuclear weapons, China is enhancing its strategic capabilities.
