Researchers have identified the launch site of China’s first ICBM test since the 1980s, the DF-31AG, which was launched on September 25 into the Pacific. This missile has a range that can target much of the continental United States. Although China did not disclose the exact launch location, investigations suggest it was conducted from Hainan Island. The event reflects China’s growing military capabilities and its strategic approach to missile testing in the region.

Researchers have successfully geolocated a Chinese military launch site used for a rare public test of the DF-31AG intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). This test, which occurred on September 25, involved the missile, equipped with a dummy warhead, being launched into the Pacific Ocean. With a range of approximately 6,959 miles, the DF-31AG poses a significant threat as it can reach most parts of continental United States when armed with a nuclear payload. China did not formally reveal the exact launch site; however, civil aviation notices indicated that the missile was likely fired from Hainan Island, with the warhead landing north of Tahiti in French Polynesia. Notably, the Chinese military typically does not conduct ICBM launches from Hainan, as highlighted by Eliana Johns, a senior research associate with the Federation of American Scientists. She, along with open-source analyst Ise Midori, employed available data—including military photos and social media posts—to pinpoint Wenchang on Hainan Island as the probable launch point. This recent test marks the first ICBM launch from China in decades, as they often conduct such tests within their own territory to avoid overflying other nations. The U.S. military has reported that China may have finalized approximately 300 solid-fuel ICBM silo constructions capable of deploying DF-31 and DF-41 models. The transportation of the missile likely occurred via rail to a port, followed by a maritime shipment to Hainan, leveraging the cross-sea infrastructure between the island and Guangdong province. Although there has been no official comment regarding future launches from Hainan, the location is strategic for conducting full-range missile tests without the risks associated with launching from inland sites.

The recent test of the DF-31AG ICBM by the Chinese military underscores the increasing capabilities and strategic objectives of China in the realm of ballistic missile technology. The DF-31AG, an advanced version of earlier missile models, represents a critical component of China’s nuclear deterrent. This specific launch is significant as it hints at a possible shift in where and how China conducts ICBM tests, particularly given that it marked the first such event since the 1980s. Understanding this context can provide insight into ongoing military developments in the Asia-Pacific region, especially concerning U.S.-China relations and global security dynamics.

In summary, the successful geolocation of the DF-31AG ICBM launch site indicates advancements in Chinese military capabilities and introduces a new element to the strategic landscape in the Pacific. As researchers delve deeper into the implications of this test, it remains to be seen how this may affect regional security and China’s approach to future missile launches. Continuous monitoring and analysis will be essential for understanding the evolving nature of missile testing within the geopolitical frameworks at play.

Original Source: www.newsweek.com

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