China Tests Missile, Pacific Island Nation Vanuatu Joins Condemnation

(Central News Agency Sydney, July 8, Comprehensive Foreign News) After China recently test-fired a long-range missile in the Pacific, Vanuatu today joined the ranks of those condemning the act. Among the Pacific island nations, Vanuatu is one of China's closest partners.

A strategic nuclear submarine of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy launched a submarine-launched strategic missile with a "carrying training simulated warhead" at 12:01 PM on the 6th. Monitoring units indicated that the missile appeared to have landed in the Pacific Ocean between the Solomon Islands, Nauru, and Tuvalu.

According to AFP, a statement from the office of Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat said, "We call on all countries, including China, to immediately cease ballistic missile test firings in the Pacific."

Vanuatu criticized Beijing's test firing for its "lack of prior consultation and transparency," and stated that it raises questions about China's commitment to peace, security, and stability in the Pacific region.

The statement added that China is an "important development partner," but all partners operating in the region should "respect the collective decisions of the Pacific island nations."

Tuvalu, a diplomatic ally of Taiwan, also expressed "grave and significant concern" today regarding China's test firing of a submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead into the Pacific, and called on major powers not to use the Pacific as a testing ground for their arsenals. (Compiled by Yang Zhaoyan) 1150709

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