WASHINGTON : The United States has voiced serious concern over China’s recent submarine-launched ballistic missile test in the Pacific Ocean, stating that Beijing’s advance notification was insufficient and that regional stability is at risk.
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy successfully conducted the test launch on July 6, firing a strategic missile carrying a dummy warhead from a nuclear submarine toward the high seas of the Pacific Ocean, where it landed precisely within designated waters . Beijing described the launch as a routine training activity that complies with international law and is not directed at any specific country or target .
However, U.S. State Department officials told a news agency that China provided information only a few hours before the test, falling “far short of the standards set by the five nuclear powers (P5).” Washington further accused Beijing of rapidly increasing its nuclear weapons stockpile in a non-transparent manner, warning that regional countries are seriously concerned about such actions.
China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning defended the test, emphasizing that the Chinese side had notified relevant countries beforehand in accordance with international customary practice . She reiterated that China follows a defensive nuclear strategy and called on nations not to overinterpret the launch .
Beyond the United States, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan have also expressed concern over the missile test
