Military vehicles carrying DF-5B intercontinental ballistic missiles participate in a military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing on October 1, 2019, to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. FILE PHOTO/Agence France-Presse
BEIJING — China test-launched an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday, the defense ministry said, making a rare announcement as Beijing flexes its military might.
The Chinese military’s “Rocket Force launched an ICBM… carrying a dummy warhead to the high seas in the Pacific Ocean at 08:44 on September 25, and the missile fell into expected sea areas”, the ministry said in a statement.
“This test launch is a routine arrangement in our annual training plan,” the ministry added.
READ: 25 areas in PH possible targets of China hypersonic missile attack – Imee Marcos
“It is in line with international law and international practice and is not directed against any country or target,” it said.
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Last October, the US Defense Department said China was developing its nuclear arsenal more quickly than the United States had anticipated.
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READ: No ‘imminent attack’ from China despite Sen. Marcos’ warning – NSC
China possessed more than 500 operational nuclear warheads as of May 2023 and is likely to have more than 1,000 by 2030, it said.
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