This morning (25th), China’s Ministry of National Defense announced that the Rocket Force of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) carrying a simulated training warhead into a designated area of the Pacific Ocean. The missile precisely hit its target area. Officials emphasized that this launch was part of the annual military training, complies with international law and norms, and is not aimed at any specific country or target.
Chinese media outlets First Military Intelligence and Tianxia Buwu cited airspace warning maps publicly released by Osinter, speculating that the missile might have been launched from near Hainan Island, with a range exceeding 12,000 kilometers, and landed in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. Although the specific missile model used in this test has not been officially disclosed, it is speculated to be the DF-41, a road-mobile nuclear missile capable of carrying up to 10 nuclear warheads with a range of 14,000 kilometers.
Another possible model is the DF-5B/C heavy intercontinental missile, a liquid-fueled missile that uses a silo-based launch mode, with a range of up to 15,000 kilometers. This missile has appeared multiple times in military parades.
Analysts pointed out that whether it is the DF-41 or DF-5, when launched from mainland China, the missile’s range across the Pacific could cover the entirety of the United States. “Without a doubt, the purpose of this launch is to ‘deter adversaries,’ and it shows that the PLA’s nuclear strike capability is highly mature and remains in a high state of combat readiness.”
Chinese media Observer published an analysis by military commentators, stating that this test undoubtedly demonstrates China’s nuclear strike capabilities to the world. With its range covering the entire U.S., it further showcases China’s advanced strategic nuclear readiness.