ICBM Test Reveals-China’s Strategic Deterrence–(Video)

BY:SpaceEyeNews

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhSQTbIDHWI&t=238s

ICBM Test Reveals: China’s Strategic Deterrence Capabilities are Stronger Than Ever!

Introduction: A Rare Public ICBM Test

On September 25, 2024, China launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean, marking a significant moment in its military history. This test, the first of its kind in over 40 years, caught the attention of global media and governments alike. The Chinese government labeled it a routine military exercise, but analysts worldwide saw it as a strategic display of power. This test isn’t just a demonstration of China’s missile technology; it’s a clear message about its advancing military capabilities amid rising tensions with other global powers, particularly the United States.

The test, carried out by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force, sent a strong signal to the international community that China’s nuclear and missile capabilities are not only modernizing but also being tested in ways that carry both technical and political implications. In this article, we’ll break down why this ICBM test matters, what it means for global geopolitics, and the significant strategic underpinnings behind China’s actions.

Significance of the ICBM Launch

The September 25th launch of China’s ICBM into the Pacific Ocean holds critical importance in several dimensions. This test marks the first time in over four decades that China has launched an ICBM into international waters, drawing immediate comparisons to its last publicized launch in 1980. While the Chinese government did not officially confirm the missile type, many analysts believe it was the Dongfeng-41 (DF-41), China’s most advanced intercontinental missile. Capable of reaching targets up to 15,000 kilometers away, the DF-41 can easily target the U.S. mainland, positioning China as a formidable nuclear force​.

​The test came as part of what Chinese officials termed a “routine military exercise,” but its public nature speaks to a much broader strategy. China has often tested missiles within its own territory, away from the global spotlight. This launch into international waters breaks from that tradition, likely serving as both a technical test and a geopolitical statement. Analysts have pointed out that China could gather sufficient data from land-based tests, suggesting that this test had other objectives beyond technical validation​

 This ICBM launch is a display of China’s strategic deterrence capabilities, a core pillar of its nuclear policy. The use of ICBMs is vital for delivering nuclear warheads, and as China continues to modernize its nuclear arsenal, these tests affirm its capacity for long-range strikes. The test also underscores the importance of China’s missile forces within its broader military strategy, signaling to global powers that Beijing remains committed to developing and enhancing its nuclear capabilities​

Geopolitical Implications: Tensions with the U.S. and Taiwan

At the heart of the ICBM test is China’s ongoing strategic competition with the United States. The timing of this test is particularly telling, given the rising tensions between the two global superpowers over issues such as Taiwan and the South China Sea. The PLA’s decision to launch this missile into the Pacific Ocean—potentially signaling a capability to strike far beyond its borders—has been interpreted by many as a message to Washington.

China’s military growth has been closely watched by the U.S., and this test reinforces Beijing’s willingness to confront American military dominance in the Indo-Pacific. Dr. Bernard Loo, a senior fellow at Singapore’s Rajaratnam School of International Studies, pointed out that the ICBM test serves to remind the U.S. of China’s ability to deliver nuclear payloads over great distances, even amid the growing list of technological sanctions the U.S. has imposed on China​

Taiwan, a central flashpoint in U.S.-China relations, is another key factor behind this missile test. While Taiwan is only 128 kilometers from mainland China—well within the range of shorter-range missiles—the test of an ICBM with a 15,000-kilometer range sends a clear signal about China’s readiness to prevent U.S. intervention should a conflict arise over Taiwan. The missile’s range makes it evident that China wants to demonstrate its ability to deter U.S. forces from intervening in the event of a military escalation in the Taiwan Strait​

This ICBM test also ties into broader regional dynamics. As China continues to assert its claims in the South China Sea and ramp up military activity around Taiwan, the test underscores Beijing’s determination to safeguard its strategic interests. For the U.S. and its allies, the test is a reminder of the growing sophistication and reach of China’s missile arsenal—a key element of its regional strategy​

Boosting the Rocket Force’s Morale Amid Scandals

Beyond its international implications, this ICBM test also serves a critical domestic purpose. The People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF), which oversaw the test, has been embroiled in corruption scandals over the past few years, casting a shadow over one of China’s most elite military units. Several high-ranking officials within the PLARF were removed as part of President Xi Jinping’s broader anti-corruption campaign, raising concerns about the unit’s readiness and capabilities.

By successfully conducting such a high-profile test, the Rocket Force is attempting to rebuild its reputation and reassure China’s political leadership of its operational strength. As the overseer of China’s nuclear and missile forces, the PLARF plays a critical role in national defense, and this test is an opportunity to demonstrate that the force remains intact and capable despite recent challenges​

Moreover, the test aligns with Xi Jinping’s broader military modernization goals. Xi has repeatedly emphasized the importance of bringing China’s military capabilities in line with the latest technological advancements. This ICBM test is a tangible demonstration of how the PLA is advancing its nuclear deterrence strategy, even as it navigates internal issues​

Regional and Global Reactions

The international response to China’s ICBM test was swift and pointed. In the Indo-Pacific region, countries such as Japan, New Zealand, Australia, and Palau all voiced concerns about the increasing militarization of the region. For many of these countries, China’s missile test was seen as a provocative act, one that could heighten tensions and destabilize the region. New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, expressed concern over the test, stating that it was inconsistent with the hopes for a “peaceful and secure region”​

In the U.S., the test raised alarms among military strategists and policymakers. For Washington, the test highlights the need for continued vigilance and military preparedness in the Indo-Pacific. While China has downplayed the political significance of the launch, U.S. officials see it as part of Beijing’s broader strategy to counter American influence in the region​

China’s decision to notify some countries, such as France, in advance of the test may have prevented misunderstandings, but it did little to assuage broader concerns about China’s intentions. The lack of clear communication with other countries, including Japan, has only fueled fears about China’s growing military assertiveness​

Conclusion: A Message to the World

China’s September 25 ICBM test is more than just a routine military exercise—it’s a statement of intent. It signals to the world that China is continuing to modernize its nuclear arsenal and expand its military capabilities. The test has both domestic and international implications, as it seeks to restore the reputation of the PLA Rocket Force while sending a clear message to the U.S. and its allies about China’s strategic deterrence capabilities.

As tensions continue to rise between China and the U.S., especially over Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region, this test serves as a reminder that the world is entering a new era of military competition. For China, the test demonstrates its readiness to defend its interests and counter any potential threats. For the U.S. and its allies, it’s a call to rethink their strategies in the face of an increasingly assertive and capable China. The question now is how the global community will respond to this clear demonstration of China’s military power.

References:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/china-icbm-launch-rocket-force-deterrence-military-global-domestic-tensions-4638986

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-26/chinas-launch-of-an-intercontinental-ballistic-missile-explained/104401636