China Conducts First ICBM Test in 44 Years

China conducted its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test in 44 years, launching a missile carrying a dummy warhead into the Pacific Ocean on September 25, 2024. The Chinese Defense Ministry characterized the test as a routine military exercise, emphasizing its stable nuclear policy and commitment to a no-first-use doctrine. The U.S. and France received prior notification of the launch, which helped mitigate risks of miscalculation, while countries like Japan and Taiwan expressed concerns and criticized China's communication regarding the missile's trajectory. The Pentagon acknowledged China's transparency surrounding the test, indicating an improvement in military communication between the U.S. and China. Despite claims of transparency, Taiwan's foreign ministry stated it was not adequately informed, raising tensions in the region. China maintained that the ICBM test was legitimate and necessary for training purposes, reinforcing its stance on maintaining a minimal nuclear arsenal for national security.