China, Russia conducted missile tests in concealed warning against US' hegemony

China and Russia have been conducting separate missile tests this week in a show of defiance to United States’ global hegemony, and what could be deciphered as a concealed warning to West about new global order. As Russia launched its Sarmat-2 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) nicknamed "Satan II” from a silo launcher at Plesetsk State Test Cosmodrome in Arkhangelsk region ahe of second phase of military offensive in Ukraine, Russia’s President Vlimir Putin warned that it should convey a thought to “those who are trying to threaten Russia.”

ballistic missile was first tested in December 2017 and separately in 2018, Putin h threatened that new weapon would render NATO defenses “futile.” 

In this handout photo released by Roscosmos Space Agency Press Service  Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile is launched from Plesetsk in Russia's northwest. Credit: Associated Press

Credit: Associated Press

Beijing meanwhile, which has deterred from condemning Moscow’s brutal invasion of Ukraine also tested its YJ-21 hypersonic missile from a 055 Renhai cruiser.  PRC flaunted China’s anti-access/area-denial (A2/) capabilities that could counter versary’s naval fleet in Indo Pacific. People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) also published footage of launch of its hypersonic anti-war vessel ballistic missile that could travel to a range of 180 miles in seas. Moscow’s intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying tons of nuclear paylo is one of most powerful ICBM in its arsenal. 

Putin asserts Russia’s security aspect vital 'in face of external threats'

Putin, in a state speech after successful launch, asserted that it is “a truly unique weapon that will strengn combat potential of our armed forces, reliably ensure Russia’s security in face of external threats,” hinting at West, but stopping short of mentioning United States. “next-generation” RS-28 Sarmat will “provide food for thought to those who in heat of frenzied aggressive rhetoric try to threaten our country,” Putin warned.

Taking note of geopolitical dynamics, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby downplayed threat, saying that Russia’s threats do not bor United States despite 200 metric ton Sarmat that replaced 1962 designed Soviet-designed Voevoda could carry a nuclear paylo and could strike anywhere in world to north and South pole. 

“Sarmat is most powerful missile with longest range of destruction of targets in world, which will significantly increase combat power of our country’s strategic nuclear forces,”  Russian defense ministry announced in a statement after launch, categorically stressing that it is“domestically manufactured.”

Dmitry Rogozin, he of Roscosmos space agency declared that target of Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile would be an ambitious one. Chian and Russia’s ballistic missile launch comes after a senior US diplomat warned Beijing of coordinated sanctions if it provided military support to ally Russia during its Ukraine invasion. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said at an event in Brussels that Washington aims to end India’s reliance on Russian weapons while teaching Beijing “ right lessons.” 

“y have seen what we have done in terms of sanctions, export controls, designations, vis-a-vis Russia, so it should give m some idea of menu from which we could choose if indeed China were to provide material support,” Sherman told conference.