China’s ICBM Launch Tested Both Missile Capability and Geo-Political Waters, Analysts Say

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

September’s launch of a long-range ICBM in the Pacific—the first such test in decades—evaluated the missile’s capabilities and sent a political message.

Last month, China test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the South Pacific for the first time in 44 years, raising concerns among nations in the region.

The rare test delivered political messaging amid tensions in the Western Pacific region, particularly in the South China Sea. It also had a pragmatic purpose, experts told The Epoch Times: evaluating the capabilities of the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF).

The missile, which carried a dummy warhead, was believed by analysts to be China’s newest ICBM, the Dong Feng-41 (DF-41) or an older ICBM, the Dong Feng-31AG (DF-31AG). Dong Feng means “East Wind” in Chinese.

The DF-41 is China’s longest-range ICBM, capable of going 12,000 to 15,000 km (7,500 to 9,500 miles). The DF-31AG has a shorter range of 7,000 to 11,700 km (4,300 miles to 7,300 miles).

Fired on Sept. 25 from an undisclosed location—widely believed to be a site on Hainan Island, which sits north of the South China Sea—the missile traveled approximately 12,000 kilometers (7,456 miles) and landed near French Polynesia, a group of islands that includes Tahiti.

Beijing has called the launch a “routine arrangement” on the part of the PLARF. Other countries with long-range missiles, such as the United States, Russia, and India, routinely conduct such tests.

However, the Chinese military has not fired a long-range missile into the Pacific since 1980. In past years, China has tested its missiles inland, mostly in the remote deserts of northwest China.

It’s possible the reason for the site change is strictly technical, according to Denny Roy, senior fellow at the Honolulu-based East-West Center.

“Chinese engineers might have felt they needed to test fly a missile with a long, relatively flat trajectory, which is more similar to how they would use a long-range missile in combat, rather than usual lofted trajectory to keep the flight within or near Chinese borders,” Roy told The Epoch Times in an email interview.

“Having said that, there are several possible intended political messages.”

By Lily Zhou

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

The Sacred Honor of the 56

Today we're celebrating the sacred honor of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence.

Alligator Alcatraz: A Bold Step Toward Secure Borders

Alligator Alcatraz funded through FEMA, represents a decisive move by the Trump admin to address illegal immigration with efficiency and resolve.

Is America Broke?

Silicon Valley investor and economic commentator Balaji Srinivasan made...

Hungary: Pride™ Cometh Before the Color Revolution

The EU engaged in a diplomatic siege of the Eastern European nation-state of Hungary pressuring it into embrace global trannyism or face wrath of Brussels.

Understanding the Trump/Musk Feud

The passion Trump and Musk exhibit over the OBBB is not contrived or for show. Each is addressing the problem from completely different approaches.

Noem Waives Environmental Restrictions to Fast-Track Water Barriers in Rio Grande

DHS Sec Kristi Noem waived federal environmental laws to fast-track construction of 17 miles of waterborne barriers in the Rio Grande in South Texas.

Federal Officials Warn of ‘Lone Wolf’ Terror Threats on July 4, NY Governor Says

NY Gov. Kathy Hochul confirmed that federal officials informed her about a possible terrorist threat ahead of the July 4 Independence Day holiday.

Record 1 in 5 Buyers of New Cars Committing to $1,000-Plus Monthly Payments: Edmunds

The share of new car buyers committing to make monthly payments of $1,000 or more hit an “all-time high” in the second quarter of 2025.

US Economy Adds 147,000 New Jobs, Unemployment Rate Dips to 4.1 Percent in June

The U.S. job market remained strong in June, as labor conditions continued to hold up amid economic uncertainty.

US Keeps Pressure on Chinese Goods Amid Vietnam Trade Deal

Transshipping—rerouting goods through a third country to disguise the origin of the products—is a focal point of trade negotiations with Asian markets.

White House Report Reveals Top Earners, Staffers Working for No Salary

The Trump admin released its yearly report that shows the salaries for White House staffers, also revealing officials who aren’t accepting salaries at all.

Transportation Secretary Urges Governors to Remove Political Messages From Crosswalks, Intersections

Duffy sent letters to governors, mayor of D.C., and gov of Puerto Rico urging them to remove political messaging from intersections and crosswalks.

Bessent: US, India Near Agreement to Lower Tariffs

The United States and India are “very close” to a trade agreement, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Tuesday.
spot_img

Related Articles