Unannounced ICBM Test Escalates Tension Between China and Kiribati

ICBM

Rising tensions between China and Kiribati underscore the geopolitical challenge in the Pacific following Beijing’s unannounced ICBM test landing near Kiribati’s economic waters.

At a Glance

  • China tested an ICBM on September 25, 2023, near Kiribati’s economic waters.
  • Kiribati’s government criticized the lack of communication from China regarding the test.
  • The dummy warhead reportedly landed within Kiribati’s economic zone, near Caroline Island.
  • Kiribati has been a Chinese ally since 2019, after severing ties with Taiwan.

Diplomatic Tensions Rise

China conducted an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test on September 25, 2023, leading to diplomatic friction with Kiribati. This Pacific Ocean nation, recently aligned with Beijing after severing ties with Taiwan in 2019, expressed significant discontent upon discovering that a dummy warhead from the test landed within its economic zone near Caroline Island. The leadership in Kiribati rebuked the lack of advance notification from China, underlying the sensitivity of such military activities in a region recognized for its nuclear-free policy.

Kiribati emphasized the importance of communication to prevent unintentional escalations and called upon China to halt such activities around their territory. Despite the discontent, China’s military insists that the warhead landed harmlessly in a predetermined spot in international waters. This incident has aroused skepticism in Kiribati, and also drew concern from other Pacific nations like Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand.

China’s Defense

China defended the ICBM launch, claiming it was a routine exercise aimed at weapons testing and training, with assurances that the test posed no threat to any Pacific country. The Chinese military reported it notified relevant countries, including the United States, before conducting the test. However, Kiribati did not receive any such notification, leading to diplomatic friction. Their statement criticized China’s lack of communication and pointed out the ongoing sensitivities related to weapon tests in the region.

Kiribati being part of a treaty that establishes the South Pacific nuclear-free zone, highlighted the need to maintain global peace and stability, urging a halt to potentially provocative weapons testing. The incident not only highlights the local geopolitical challenges but also the larger international pressures facing nations aligned with major powers like China.

Regional Reactions

The unwelcomed Chinese missile test also prompted an alert response from other South Pacific nations. Australia and New Zealand, alongside regional ally Fiji, are concerned by this development, perceiving it as a potential destabilizing factor in their Pacific neighborhood. China, despite its assurances, has unsettled this allied relationship with Kiribati.

With Kiribati’s recent pivot to Beijing influencing its political landscape, this incident will test the durability of its alliance with China. Calls urge China to recognize the need for transparency and dialogue, as nations seek to prevent any further military misunderstandings. The evolving dynamics here could significantly influence the broader diplomatic landscape in the Indo-Pacific region.