Daily Current Affairs :26-September-2024

On Wednesday, China successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean. This rare public test is seen by analysts as a message to the United States and its allies, amid rising tensions in the region. The launch highlights China’s growing military capabilities and its desire to assert its strength on the global stage.

About China’s DF-41 Missile

The missile tested was the DF-41, a highly advanced ICBM developed by China. Here’s what we know about it:

  • Origin: The DF-41 is part of China’s efforts to enhance its nuclear deterrence. China’s first ICBM, the DF-5, was test-fired in 1980. Since then, China has made significant advancements in missile technology.
  • Range: The DF-41 has an estimated range of 12,000 to 15,000 kilometers, allowing it to target distant regions, including North America.
  • Stockpile: As of May 2023, China is believed to have more than 500 operational nuclear warheads. Experts predict that this number will exceed 1,000 by 2030, marking a major increase in China’s nuclear arsenal.

What Are Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs)?

ICBMs are long-range missiles designed to carry nuclear warheads over vast distances. Here are the key features of ICBMs:

  • Range: ICBMs have a minimum range of 5,500 kilometers, and they are primarily used for delivering nuclear payloads to targets around the world.
  • Global Players: Only eight countries have operational ICBMs:
    • United States
    • Russia
    • China
    • France
    • United Kingdom
    • India (with its Agni series of ICBMs)
    • Israel
    • North Korea
  • Pakistan’s Position: Although Pakistan is a nuclear-armed nation, it does not yet possess ICBMs.

Implications of China’s Test

This missile test by China is seen as a demonstration of its growing military strength, especially in the context of increasing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. By showcasing its ICBM capabilities, China is signaling its ability to defend itself and potentially deter adversaries. For the United States and its allies, this test serves as a reminder of China’s expanding military and nuclear power, which could have significant global implications in the coming years.

Important Points:

China’s Recent ICBM Test: On Wednesday, China successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean, sending a message to the United States and its allies amid rising regional tensions.

DF-41 Missile:

  • China’s DF-41 ICBM was tested.
  • The DF-41 has a range of 12,000 to 15,000 kilometers.
  • China’s first ICBM, the DF-5, was test-fired in 1980.
  • China has more than 500 operational nuclear warheads as of 2023, and this number is expected to exceed 1,000 by 2030.

ICBM Characteristics:

  • ICBMs are designed to carry nuclear warheads over distances greater than 5,500 kilometers.
  • Eight countries possess operational ICBMs: US, Russia, China, France, UK, India, Israel, and North Korea.
  • India’s ICBM series is known as Agni.
  • Pakistan, despite being nuclear-armed, does not have ICBMs.

Implications of China’s Test:

  • The missile test showcases China’s growing military strength and capability to project power globally.
  • It serves as a warning and reminder of China’s nuclear capabilities, particularly to the United States and its allies.

Global Context: The test highlights the increasing militarization of the Indo-Pacific region, a focal point for international security concerns.

Why In News

China announced that it successfully fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday, marking a rare public test. Analysts believe the launch was intended to send a strong message to the United States and its allies amid increasing regional tensions, signaling China’s growing military capabilities and its readiness to assert its influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

MCQs about China’s Recent Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Test

  1. What was the primary purpose of China’s recent ICBM test, according to analysts?
    A. To test the missile’s technological capabilities
    B. To improve its defense systems
    C. To send a message to the United States and its allies
    D. To increase its military presence in the Pacific Ocean
    Correct Answer: C. To send a message to the United States and its allies
    Explanation: Analysts believe that the missile test was meant to send a strong message to the United States and its allies, signaling China’s growing military power amid regional tensions.
  2. What is the estimated range of China’s DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)?
    A. 5,000 to 7,000 kilometers
    B. 8,000 to 10,000 kilometers
    C. 12,000 to 15,000 kilometers
    D. 20,000 to 25,000 kilometers
    Correct Answer: C. 12,000 to 15,000 kilometers
    Explanation: The DF-41 missile has an estimated range of **12,000 to 15,000 kilometers**, allowing it to target distant regions, including North America.
  3. Which of the following countries does NOT possess operational ICBMs?
    A. Israel
    B. North Korea
    C. Pakistan
    D. India
    Correct Answer: C. Pakistan
    Explanation: Despite being a nuclear-armed nation, **Pakistan** does not yet possess intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), unlike India, which has the Agni series of ICBMs.
  4. How many operational nuclear warheads does China have as of May 2023, and how is this expected to change by 2030?
    A. More than 100, expected to exceed 500 by 2030
    B. More than 500, expected to exceed 1,000 by 2030
    C. More than 1,000, expected to exceed 1,500 by 2030
    D. More than 1,500, expected to remain the same
    Correct Answer: B. More than 500, expected to exceed 1,000 by 2030
    Explanation: As of May 2023, China has more than **500 operational nuclear warheads**, and experts predict that the number will exceed **1,000 by 2030**, reflecting a significant increase in its nuclear capabilities.

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