China flexes nuclear prowess with intercontinental missile test
For the first time in several decades, China has officially confirmed, in a press conference organized for this purpose, the testing of an intercontinental ballistic missile. Although the missile carried a mock-up instead of a nuclear warhead, the manner in which the test was conducted suggests that China wants to emphasize its nuclear strike capabilities.
In a communiqué, Beijing informed that it carried out a "routine test" as part of the annual training schedule and assured that neighbouring countries were notified about the test.
Although no details were provided about the missile itself or the exact location where it landed, it is known that the missile was launched toward the ocean and fell into international waters.
This marks a development in the Chinese ballistic missile test program. Until now, taking advantage of the country's size, China tested such weapons over its own territory, and the missiles landed on one of their missile ranges.
Despite the lack of any technical details, experts believe the tested missile is most likely the DF-41 (Dongfeng-41).
Weighing 80,000 kilograms and measuring 22 metres, the missile has an estimated range of 12,000-14,000 kilometres and can carry up to eight MIRV sub-warheads. It can be launched from silos, wheeled mobile launchers, and special railway cars.
Chinese nuclear armament
The missile test fits into a much broader context of the development of China's nuclear arsenal. For decades, China maintained modest strategic forces with only a few dozen warheads and limited delivery means, which were enough to ensure nuclear deterrence.
However, recent years have been a time of intense armament – in at least three bases. China is building hundreds of missile silos, modernizing submarines capable of carrying ballistic missiles, and working on the hard-to-detect H-20 strategic bomber.
Beijing's nuclear potential is currently estimated at around 500 warheads, but – according to experts – by 2030, it could rise to as many as 1,000 nuclear warheads.
