China’s state media has said the country’s latest ICBM is known as the DF-41. It is estimated to have a range of 12,000 to 15,000 kilometers (7,400 to 9,300 miles) and is capable of reaching the US mainland.
China successfully tested an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a dummy warhead in international waters i.e. the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday. This has angered neighboring countries. From Japan to Australia and New Zealand, everyone has objected to this. However, according to the Chinese Defense Ministry, this test is a part of the annual exercise. It was launched by the Rocket Force of the People’s Liberation Army at 8.44 am local time.
According to the Chinese Defense Ministry, the launch on Wednesday is the first such test since 1980, which is part of regular exercises. Beijing has said that it was not aimed at any country or target. Chinese media has said that Beijing had also informed the concerned countries about this, but Japan has protested and said that it had not received any information or warning. Other neighboring countries of the Pacific Ocean, Australia and New Zealand, have also expressed concern over China’s move.
China’s ICBM launch has raised tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, with analysts saying it reflects China’s growing long-range nuclear capabilities. China, however, claims the launch was in accordance with international law and international practice. The launch was not aimed at any specific country or target. According to China Central Television (CCTV), the missile fell at its expected location in the sea area and caused no casualties.
This is the first time in 44 years that China has successfully tested an ICBM in open sea. In May 1980, China’s first ICBM DF-5 flew more than 9,000 kilometres, reports the South China Morning Post. Since then, China is believed to have tested several ICBMs but all of them were within range. The new ballistic missile is capable of reaching the US mainland.
What is ICBM DF-41
China’s state media shared little information about the test but said the country’s latest ICBM, known as the DF-41, is estimated to have a range of 12,000 to 15,000 kilometers (7,400 to 9,300 miles) and is capable of reaching the US mainland.
The nuclear capable DF-41 can carry a payload of up to 2500 kg. It is capable of carrying 10 warheads. This missile can also carry multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRV). It is capable of running on roads as well as railways. It can also go to inaccessible areas.
what is the message to the world
China has conducted this test at a time when Russia, China and North Korea have come closer due to the Ukraine war. Analysts say that the purpose of this test by China is to warn the US and its allies amid increasing tensions in the East China Sea and surrounding waters from the Taiwan Strait to the South China Sea. Leif-Eric Easley, professor of international studies at Ewha University in Seoul, told CNN that Beijing’s test is a message to Washington that there is a possibility of attack on American soil if it directly intervenes in the conflict in the Taiwan Strait.
Meanwhile, Australia has said that China’s actions are destabilizing and have increased the risk of miscalculation in the region. Australia has demanded an explanation from Beijing on this move. New Zealand has also called it an unnecessary and worrying step. Experts have said that China’s move is provocative for America’s allies in Asia because China is capable of fighting on more than one front.
What is the danger to India?
There is tension in the relations between India and China. In such a situation, China’s new ICBM test is a cause of concern for Indian security agencies because its range is 12 thousand to 15 thousand km. India shares a 3,488 kilometer long border with China, which passes through Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. Apart from this, China has built its military base in Pakistan in the west and Myanmar in the east. In this way, the entire geographical area of India can come under the range of Chinese ICBM.
However, it is not that easy, China and Pakistan are also aware of this but China has been wary of India due to its friendship with western countries, especially the US. China has been seeing India as a challenge as a fast-growing economy and a nuclear weapons power.
