China launches ICMB into the Pacific Ocean, proving a little too close for comfort for neighbouring countries

Beijing announced the trial of its Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean; this was the first in four decades.

The launch was a little too close for comfort for neighbouring countries, which protested vehemently against China's actions.

Japan, for example, exclaimed that they had not been given advance notice of the testing, while Taiwan expressed "solemn condemnation".

Beijing's defence ministry said on Thursday the test was a legitimate and routine arrangement that aimed to " test our weapon and training performance.

"China's nuclear policy is very stable, consistent and predictable," ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang told a news conference in Beijing.

Zhang added that "We strictly follow a nuclear policy of no first use of nuclear weapons and pursue a nuclear strategy of self-defence," he said.

He adds that China does not seek an arm race and had promised not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapons states or weapon-free zones.

Facing public criticism

China's actions were not well received by its neighbouring countries. Japan said that it had not been given advance warning of the launch. Australia on other hand said that they are seeking an explanation, while New Zealand called the launch "an unwelcome and concerning development."

French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson exclaimed that the missile fell not far from the Marquesas Islands, an archipelago that is part of its exclusive economic zone.

The Chinese authorities previously notified their French counterpart of this test," the French High Commission said in a statement, adding that France would make its position on the test known.

The Pentagon also confirmed that the United States received advance notification of this ICBM test, describing the notification as a step in the right direction that would help prevent misunderstandings.

On Thursday, China’s military unveiled images of a missile launch, depicting the projectile ascending in a plume of smoke from an undisclosed location.

Analysts indicated that the imagery pointed to the potential launch of a Dongfeng-31 AG intercontinental ballistic missile, which was first showcased during a military parade in 2017.

China growing its nuclear powers

Analysts are deducing that China's latest action is more than just a testing as it claims, rather it is signal to other countries about its military prowess.

"It sends a signal to the US and its allies ... that China has the military ability to react in the event of any escalation of tensions between the United States and China," said Benjamin Ho, assistant professor at Singapore's S Rajaratnam School of International Studies' China Programme.

In recent years, Beijing has stepped up its nuclear developments, much faster than the U.S has anticipated. China currently holds more than 500 operational nuclear warheads, and this number is likely to increase by 1,000 by 2030, the pentagon said.