Analyst reacts to China's 'extremely rare' missile test: Video
China’s recent intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test, described as "extremely rare," has drawn global attention.
According to Sam Roggeveen, Director of the International Security Programme at the Lowy Institute, this test is part of China’s substantial effort to build a more robust nuclear arsenal, particularly with the capability to target the United States.
Roggeveen explained that while the missile launch might appear politically significant, its primary goal is likely military.
“Tests like this are months in the planning. We shouldn’t overstate the immediate symbolism,” Roggeveen told the AFP, emphasising that China is focused on ensuring the reliability of its long-range missile systems, which are now capable of reaching global targets.
The missile tested is believed to be the DF-41, a road-mobile ICBM with a range of up to 15,000 kilometres. This allows it to hit the entirety of the continental U.S. and carry multiple nuclear warheads. While specific details about the size of these warheads remain uncertain, they are estimated to be significantly larger than the bombs dropped on Hiroshima.
"It's extremely rare. But China is undergoing a pretty substantial expansion of its nuclear arsenal, including intercontinental ballistic missiles. That is, missiles with the range to hit basically anywhere in the world, but in particular the United States. And so it is perhaps not surprising to see that China needs to test that capability to make sure that it's reliable," said Roggeveen.
China’s nuclear expansion comes amid concerns in Beijing that its current arsenal is too small and vulnerable to a potential U.S. surprise attack. “China believes its arsenal is too vulnerable,” Roggeveen explained, adding that the country aims to ensure that even after a potential first strike, it would have enough missiles to mount a devastating counterattack.
This missile test comes as Beijing continues to increase defence spending and nuclear development at a pace that, according to a Pentagon report last October, is faster than U.S. expectations.
