China says it successfully fired an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday, a rare public test that analysts said was meant to send a message to the United States and its allies amid heightened regional tensions.

China said Wednesday that it had successfully test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean, in a rare public test that may raise international concerns as the country builds up its nuclear arsenal at a time of tensions with the United States.

The Chinese military said it test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean in a rare test that could raise international concerns. The People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force launched the missile carrying a dummy warhead at 8:44 a.