China Launches Intercontinental Ballistic Missile into Pacific Ocean
Beijing, China – On Wednesday, China announced that it had test launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean. The missile, which carried a dummy warhead, was fired by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA)’s Rocket Force and landed in the high seas of the Pacific Ocean.
According to the Chinese Defence Ministry, the launch was part of the country’s annual training plan and was not aimed at any specific country or target. The ministry noted that relevant countries had been notified in advance. The launch tested the weapon’s performance and military training effectiveness, achieving the desired goals.
This is the first time since 1989 that China has successfully conducted an atmospheric test of an ICBM. The first test of a Chinese ICBM took place in May 1980, and since then, most of China’s nuclear weapons tests have been conducted underground.
In related news, North Korea has recently conducted several short-range ballistic missile tests towards the Sea of Japan. Earlier this year, the US deployed its Mid-Range Capability, or Typhon, missile system to the Philippines during a joint exercise. The 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) between the US and the Soviet Union had banned all land-based missiles that could travel between 500 km and 5,500 km. However, the US suspended the INF in 2019, claiming that Russia had violated the pact by secretly testing and fielding prohibited missiles.
Doubts Revealed
Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) -: An ICBM is a very powerful rocket that can travel from one continent to another. It is usually used to carry weapons over long distances.
Pacific Ocean -: The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest ocean in the world. It is located between Asia and Australia on one side, and the Americas on the other.
People’s Liberation Army’s Rocket Force -: This is a part of China’s military that is responsible for managing and launching missiles.
Dummy warhead -: A dummy warhead is a fake version of a real weapon. It is used for testing purposes to make sure the missile works without causing any real damage.
Chinese Defence Ministry -: This is the part of the Chinese government that is responsible for the country’s defense and military activities.
Atmospheric ICBM test -: This means testing a missile in the Earth’s atmosphere, which is the layer of gases surrounding our planet.
