China’s ICBM test a sign PLA Rocket Force stands ready despite corruption scandals

China’s intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test shows its missile capabilities and the combat readiness of its rocket force despite a recent corruption scandal, according to analysts.

On Wednesday, China’s defence ministry said the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force conducted a missile test with an ICBM carrying a dummy warhead, which flew over the Pacific Ocean – the first reported launch by Beijing in 44 years.

Beijing has not disclosed the trajectory and target of the missile, but based on navigational warnings and a Notice to Airmen, the ICBM was fired from the southern island province of Hainan and flew around 12,000km (7,456 miles) towards the southern Pacific Ocean, passing near the northern Philippines and Guam.

The missile fell near French Polynesia’s exclusive economic zone near the Marquesas Islands, according to Agence France-Presse, citing French Polynesian President Moetai Brotherson.