PLA Tests Submarine-Launched ICBM, Reactions from Around the World

(CNA Beijing, July 6 - Combined Reports) China today test-fired a nuclear-capable submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated this was a "routine arrangement for China's annual military training, not targeting any specific country or objective." Below is a compilation of reactions from various parties as reported by foreign media.

● Japan

The Japanese government stated that the Chinese Ministry of Defense notified the Japanese Embassy in Beijing at 11:30 AM today (10:30 AM Taipei time) about the ballistic missile launch, with the alert area being the sea south of Cape Shioya in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan.

At the time, the Japanese government strongly urged Beijing authorities to reconsider the test launch and also expressed serious concern to China regarding its increasingly active military activities.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kiuchi explained this afternoon that the PLA's submarine-launched missile was "not confirmed to have passed over our territory or exclusive economic zone (EEZ)," and no damage to Japanese aircraft or vessels has been reported.

● Australia

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that China's missile test poses a destabilizing factor to the Pacific region and highlights the need for countries in the region to work together.

Wong said, "The Australian government's position is clear: this test launch is an act conducted amidst China's rapid military buildup, and China has not maintained the transparency and clarity of its intentions as expected by countries in this region (the Pacific region)."

● New Zealand

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters stated that the test launch occurred "within hours of New Zealand receiving notification."

He said in a statement, "The Pacific is a sea of peace, and we are deeply concerned about China conducting nuclear weapons tests in the South Pacific," adding that this test launch could undermine regional stability.

Peters emphasized, "New Zealand views this as a disturbing and worrying development. Like our neighboring Pacific island nations, we do not want China to use the South Pacific as a testing ground for its missile capabilities."

● Russia

Russia defended China's test-firing of a strategic missile today. Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Kremlin, Russia's center of power, told Agence France-Presse reporters, "We consider China's missile test to be an exercise of sovereign rights. China poses no threat to anyone in the world."

● Taiwan

The Ministry of National Defense stated that it has a grasp of the CCP's missile test activities. Although the CCP's missile launch this time did not pass through the Republic of China's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), it has already posed a threat to regional peace and stability. The ROC Armed Forces will closely monitor the developments and respond appropriately in coordination with allied nations.

The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) responded in writing today, stating that the PLA, by launching a submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile, deliberately displayed military force, escalated regional tensions, and undermined regional peace and stability.

The MAC concluded by stating that Taiwan will firmly defend national sovereignty, security, and regional peace and stability, and calls on the international community to pay close attention to the CCP's military expansion and provocative threats. (Editor: Hung Chi-yuan) 1150706

Stand with the truth, your every donation is a force to protect press freedom

Download CNA's "One-Stop News" APP for real-time updates

This website's text, images, and videos may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.