(25 Sep 2024)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Hong Kong – 25 September 2024
1. SOUNDBITE (English): Raf Wober, Associated Press, Hong Kong
"A big Chinese missile test. An intercontinental ballistic missile, which flew, and splashed down, somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. It’s not surprising that China has a military capability for long-range missiles, as well as a nuclear capability. The difference this time is the public nature, a statement from Chinese authorities that came out early, explaining about the test that had happened. It was short on detail. It didn’t mention things like range and trajectory, but it said that the missile only had a dummy warhead on it. Obviously, for countries in the region, from the Philippines, to Indonesia, to Vietnam, as well as further afield, their allies like the United States, the question will be, what is China’s intention? What is China signalling with this public announcement of a long-range missile test? And what is the significance for its military posture?"
STORYLINE:
Associated Press’ Raf Wober explains the significance of China test-firing an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday.
The move by China has stirred security concerns in the region which is already tense over Beijing’s territorial claims and rivalry with the U.S.
The ICBM carried a dummy warhead and fell into a designated area of the sea, the Defense Ministry said in a statement posted to social media.
The launch by the People’s Liberation Army’s Rocket Force was part of routine annual training, complied with international law and was not directed against any country or target, according to the statement.
It is unclear how often China conducts tests over such a distance.
The U.S. and non-governmental organisations have said China has been building up its missile silos, but it’s unclear how many missiles and nuclear warheads it has added to its arsenal.
The U.S. remains China’s main global rival, although Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines and others have territorial disputes with Beijing that occasionally threaten to develop into military clashes.
China maintains a “no first use” of nuclear weapons policy, even as its desire for regional predominance grows.
Tests of China’s intercontinental ballistic missiles into international waters are rare. Experts and a historical survey of China’s program by the Washington-based Nuclear Threat Initiative suggest the last occurred in May 1980. That test saw China launch its DF-5 missile into the South Pacific.
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