Beijing’s recent missile test has caused alarm and worry among leaders of Pacific nations who were not informed beforehand. The intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was launched on September 25 and reportedly landed in the ocean about 700 kilometers away from French Polynesia’s Marquesas Islands, outside its exclusive economic zone. This marks the first time in over four decades that Beijing has launched an ICBM into the Pacific Ocean. The missile is believed to be a Dong Feng-41, China’s longest-range missile with a maximum range estimated between 12,000 and 15,000 kilometers. It has the capability to carry up to 10 independently targetable nuclear warheads.
The Chinese Communist Party stated that the missile fired towards French Polynesia was carrying a mock warhead. France responded calmly, with French High Commissioner Eric Spitz noting that it landed in international waters and that Beijing had notified French authorities prior to the launch. Australia, New Zealand, and the United States were also informed. However, small Pacific countries like French Polynesia were kept unaware of the test.
Teva Rohfritsch, French Polynesia’s MP in the French Senate expressed shock at China’s missile launch and shared his concerns with President Emmanuel Macron through a letter. He called for a strong response from France to ensure peace in their region.
Fiji took its concerns about China’s testing activities to the United Nations as well. President Ratu Viliame Katonivere urged an immediate end to such tests and emphasized respect for their region.
New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters also expressed concern over this development and stressed their support for a peaceful region.
Analysts believe that Beijing’s announcement of this test serves as a warning to the United States and its allies amidst rising tensions in surrounding waters such as the East China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and South China Sea.
Taiwan confirmed detecting 23 Chinese military aircraft near its territory on the same day as this missile test while Japan protested against incursions by Chinese and Russian military aircraft into its airspace recently.
According to Pentagon reports on China’s military capabilities, it currently possesses more than 500 operational nuclear warheads which is expected to increase beyond 1,000 by 2030.
