For the first time in ten years, India launched an intercontinental ballistic missile. The nation is sending it into the Pacific Ocean. However, this action by China became a source of concern for nearby countries, particularly Japan. According to Japan, China was not informed ahead of time. They show worry due to the increasing military strength of China. Such a type of test can increase complexities in the region and cause fear among neighbouring countries. 

China has been increasing its focus on nuclear weapons for the last few years. He is one of the nations that spend more on defence. Last October, the Pentagon issued a warning that China was building its nuclear arsenal quickly. By May 2023, China had over 500 nuclear warheads and could have more than 1,000 by 2030. This instant growth concerns other nations regarding ‌security. Increasing the growth of nuclear weapons can increase the risks of war. So the various nations need to talk openly and work together. In this way, they can maintain peace and stability in the region. 

On September 25, China’s Rocket Force launched into the Pacific Ocean a missile. This was landed in a planned area and had a fake warhead. Very frequently, this type of test happens. One of the analysts, Ankit Panda from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said in the past ten years, this might be the first test. This highlights that China is growing its nuclear power and may do new tests in the future. According to China’s defence ministry, this test was not a dangerous and normal part of their training plan. Also, he said that missiles were launched by keeping in mind all international rules. 

They added that it was not aimed at any specific country. This launch shows that China is working to make its military stronger while also trying to reassure the world that its actions are routine and not a threat.

Concerns from different nations

According to the Pentagon, the United States got a warning before launching the missile or calling an ICBM test. This was a good step from China to avoid any confusion. At the same time, Japan said China did not inform them about this test and showed worries about China’s growing military power. Australia is waiting for the answer about this missile launch. According to Australia’s officials, this action by China is concerned that it upsets ‌peace in many regions. New Zealand also called this action by China not fair. 

A spokesperson for New Zealand’s foreign minister said they would talk with Pacific allies as more information comes out. China first tested an ICBM in the South Pacific in the 1980s but usually does these tests in its airspace now. This change raises concerns among neighbouring countries about safety and stability in the region.

Before the meeting between President Biden and President Xi Jinping, both the US and China talked about nuclear weapons in November. But in July, stepped back and stopped these conservations. This was because the US sold weapons to Taiwan. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, China is the third country with nuclear weapons. Russia and the US are the first and second countries. This year, China made a plan to raise its defence budget by 7.2%. This action increases the tension between China and the United States due to Taiwan and the South-China sea. 

In 1964, China had a very small number of nuclear weapons and made promises never to use them at first in the conflict. Recently, China has been making efforts to increase its military power, such as nuclear weapons. The main purpose of this upgrade is to scare enemies and ensure that China responds well if any other nation targets it. 

However, the recent test from China’s side has been facing a crackdown on corruption. In July, an investigation was made into Sun Jinming, the former head of the Rocket Force due to involvement in corruption. 

The current leader, Li Yuchao, was replaced last July, and Li Shangfu was removed as defence minister after being away for a long time. Other generals, like Wei Fenghe, who used to lead the Rocket Force and was defence minister from 2018 to 2023, have also lost their jobs. This shows that there is instability in China’s military leadership.