Beijing’s increasing missile capability poses a threat to US security guarantees in East Asia. China recently test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean, raising concerns in a region already tense over territorial disputes and rivalry with the US. The missile carried a dummy warhead and fell into the sea, with the Defence Ministry clarifying that it was part of routine training and not directed against any specific country. The US, Japan, Taiwan, and others in the region have territorial disputes with China, adding to the complex security dynamics in the region.
China’s missile silo build-up has been a point of concern for the US and international organizations, although the exact number of missiles and nuclear warheads in China’s arsenal remains unclear. Despite facing territorial disputes with neighboring countries, China maintains a “no first use” nuclear weapons policy. The recent missile test is rare, as China typically launches missiles towards its deserts from the east coast. Experts suggest that China’s decision to test missiles in international waters signifies its status as a nuclear power and reflects its determination to assert its global prominence.
Corruption scandals within China’s Rocket Force have raised concerns about the security of its missile program. Recent arrests of high-ranking officers, including two defense ministers, have highlighted internal challenges within the Chinese military. The missile test could serve as a reassurance to the Chinese population amidst economic downturns and a message to the world that the Communist Party remains firmly in control. Tensions over Taiwan and the Philippines have further escalated, with the US deploying new mid-range missile systems to deter Chinese aggression in the region.
The agreement between the US and the Philippines to keep the missile system indefinitely highlights the strategic importance of the South China Sea in the ongoing geopolitical rivalry between major powers. Japanese and Taiwanese defense officials have refrained from direct comments on China’s recent missile test, but continue to maintain robust defense systems against potential Chinese threats. The region’s complex security challenges, including territorial disputes, military deployments, and historical tensions, underscore the need for enhanced cooperation and dialogue among stakeholders to ensure peace and stability in East Asia.
