China Tests Submarine-Launched Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, International Condemnation Mounts

(CNA Taipei, July 7 - Reuters) China test-fired a submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads into the Pacific Ocean yesterday. Despite Beijing's insistence that this was a "routine arrangement for annual military training," the action continues to draw international dissatisfaction and protest. Below is a summary of the latest reactions from various countries.

● United States

The U.S. Department of State issued a statement saying that while the United States is making unprecedented efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation, China is acting in the opposite direction. Beijing's rapid and opaque buildup of nuclear weapons has caused serious concern for the region and the world.

The U.S. urges China to engage in meaningful arms control talks and to normalize notifications for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and space launches.

U.S. Department of State spokesperson Tommy Pigott also stated in the release that the United States monitored China's test-firing of an unloaded intercontinental ballistic missile from a submarine, which landed in the South Pacific.

● Japan

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kiuchi stated at a press conference this morning that Japan is analyzing the submarine-launched ballistic missile launched by China yesterday.

He also said, "It is difficult to definitively answer the intention behind China's individual launch at this time. However, China is significantly and rapidly expanding its nuclear and missile capabilities, including ICBMs, without sufficient transparency. Its military movements have become a matter of deep concern for Japan and the international community."

● Philippines

The Philippine Department of National Defense issued a statement today expressing deep concern over China's test-firing of a ballistic missile in the South Pacific, calling it a "reckless display of force" that disregards the security of smaller nations and the fragile ecosystems that sustain the livelihoods of local populations.

The statement pointed out that this missile launch "served no peaceful purpose" but was a calculated act, deliberately intended to provoke and intimidate countries that oppose China's "illegal expansionism and coercive behavior."

The Philippine Department of National Defense also stated that the Philippines stands with its Pacific partners in calling for China to act responsibly and cease turning shared waters into an arena for intimidation and imperial ambitions.

● Australia

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated today that China's missile test was a "provocative" act that undermines regional stability.

He said, "We (Australia) have clearly conveyed our deep concern about this matter to the Chinese government through officials in Beijing and Canberra."

Albanese stated that China's missile test undermines regional security, and "we do not want to see any actions that destabilize or harm peace and security in the Pacific region."

He also pointed out that, unlike standard missile test procedures, China did not notify Australia 48 hours in advance of the test, "This is undoubtedly a provocative act, and it destabilizes the (Pacific) region."

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) today, "This demonstrates China's increasing range in deploying nuclear weapons, and ultimately, this is profoundly destabilizing."

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated today that China's actions contradict the principle of "the Pacific should be a sea of peace" upheld by countries in the region. This test poses a destabilizing factor to regional stability and increases the risk of miscalculation.

● Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale, in his capacity as the current Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, criticized China's missile test, stating, "China used to be a good friend to the Solomon Islands, but this is not the behavior of a friend, and it is detrimental to our region."

Wale said, "I lodged a strong protest with the Chinese Ambassador yesterday, and the Solomon Islands also submitted a protest note. We do not want to see any country, whether it be China, the United States, or any other country, test-firing missiles. That is the bottom line." (Editor: Hung Pei-ying) 1150707

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