PLA Pacific Missile Test, Philippine Foreign Ministry Calls for Restraint to Avoid Escalating Tensions

(CNA, Manila, July 8) -- A Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy strategic nuclear submarine test-fired a submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead in the Pacific Ocean on the 6th. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs expressed concern today, calling on all parties to exercise restraint, increase transparency, and avoid escalating regional tensions.

According to a report by China's official media CCTV News, a PLA Navy strategic nuclear submarine successfully launched a strategic missile carrying a training dummy warhead into "relevant waters of the Pacific high seas" at 12:01 PM on the 6th, and claimed the missile accurately landed in the designated area.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs issued a statement today expressing concern over China's launch of a ballistic missile from a submarine into the Pacific during military exercises, noting that relevant Philippine authorities received prior notification from China on July 5th.

The statement emphasized that maintaining a peaceful, secure, and stable environment in the Indo-Pacific region is crucial. Any actions that undermine mutual trust will not help promote dialogue, diplomacy, and cooperation. All parties should exercise restraint, enhance transparency, conduct relevant activities in accordance with international norms, and avoid actions that could exacerbate misjudgment and misunderstanding.

Meanwhile, Philippine military spokesperson for "West Philippine Sea" affairs, Roy Vincent Trinidad, also issued a statement expressing concern.

Trinidad stated that although China described the test as an annual routine training, the demonstration of advanced strategic nuclear capabilities will exacerbate existing regional unease. The Philippine military supports the position of the Department of National Defense and the government, believing that all actions by countries in the Indo-Pacific region should be based on peace, stability, and adherence to international law.

The Philippine Department of National Defense had already issued a statement yesterday, criticizing China's ballistic missile test in the South Pacific as a "reckless display of force." The Philippines will stand with its Pacific partners to call on China to take responsible actions and stop turning shared waters into an arena for intimidating others and pursuing imperial ambitions. (Editor: Chang Chih-hsuan) 1150708

Choose to stand with the facts. Your every sponsorship is a force to protect press freedom.

Download the CNA "One-Stop News" APP for real-time updates.

Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or used without authorization.