China has announced the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile
China has announced the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean's "high seas," flying over the northern point of the Philippines. This is believed to be the first such test since the early 1980s. The missile, carrying a dummy warhead, was launched by the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF) at 8:44 am Beijing time on Wednesday. The launch comes at a time of growing international scrutiny of China’s nuclear arsenal, prompting statements of concern from several nations. The Chinese defense ministry stated that the missile launch was a component of their annual training plan and that the missile landed in predetermined sea areas. It refrained from offering additional information, stating only that the launch was not aimed at any particular country or target.
According to a report from the state-run Xinhua news agency, China had informed the relevant nation or nations beforehand, without specifying them.
The Guardian verified with Philippine authorities that two Notams, pertaining to sea and air navigation, were issued for regions to the northwest and northeast of the country on Monday, and were linked to the launch. The NOTAMs referenced special operations carried out by China, but it remains uncertain if the Philippines received prior notification of the ICBM launch. Japan's senior government spokesperson, Yoshimasa Hayashi, stated to reporters on Wednesday that Japan had not been informed in advance of the launch and expressed deep unease over China's swift military expansion. The Taiwan defence ministry reported detecting "intensive" Chinese missile firing and other drills, but declined to provide additional information.
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