China conducts first public test launch of intercontinental ballistic missile
GuardianSep 22
China Conducts First Publicized ICBM Test in Decades
Above: On Aug. 4, 2022, the Peoples Liberation Army's Eastern Theater Command rocket force launches a missile to target maritime areas east of Taiwan Island. Image copyright: Wang Yi/Xinhua News Agency via Getty Images
The Facts
The People's Liberation Army's (PLA) Rocket Force, which is responsible for China's conventional and nuclear missiles, successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Wednesday.
According to the Chinese Defense Ministry, the missile carried a dummy warhead and landed in the Pacific Ocean. The ministry stated that the launch was part of its regular yearly training schedule and was not aimed at any specific country.
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
China launched an ICBM on Wednesday, just as world leaders convened in New York for the UN General Assembly. It was a blatant demonstration of China's military strength as it works to expand its nuclear arsenal. Beijing is displaying to the world that it can launch strategic weapons against any country. However, Washington and its allies will not succumb to intimidation.
Pro-China narrative
China has every right to test ICBMs. China has been transparent about its nuclear arsenal buildup, which requires testing to ensure its functionality. The launch was part of a military drill in which the PLA evaluated munitions and personnel readiness. The ICBM launch was in accordance with international law, and China announced the test well in advance. If anything, this demonstrates Beijing's strengthening military correspondence with other nations.