China Test-Fires Submarine-Launched ICBM, Reiterates It's Not Targeting Specific Countries

(CNA Taipei, July 9) The Chinese military test-fired a missile from a nuclear submarine into the Pacific Ocean on July 6. A US State Department official stated on July 8 that China only informed the US a few hours in advance and did not provide sufficient information. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs today criticized the US for "making unwarranted remarks" and reiterated that the test-firing was not aimed at any specific country or target.

A US State Department official pointed out: "China only notified the US a few hours before the launch and did not provide sufficient information, falling far short of the standards jointly followed by other nuclear-armed UN Security Council permanent members (P5)."

According to a report by Chinese media outlet Cailian Press, Mao Ning responded at a regular press conference held by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, stating that this test-firing was a routine arrangement of annual military training, aimed at verifying the reliability, safety, and effectiveness of relevant weapon systems, in compliance with international law and international practice, and "is not aimed at any specific country or target."

She claimed that China had released relevant information in a timely manner and had notified the US and others in advance, reflecting the "openness and transparency" of the Chinese military. The US, as the country with the world's largest and most advanced nuclear arsenal, organizes strategic missile launches by nuclear submarines every year, yet it makes unwarranted remarks and points fingers at China's normal missile launches. This is typical double standards and hegemonism.

Mao Ning concluded by saying that the US should view China's national defense and military development objectively and rationally, and earnestly maintain global strategic stability. (Editor: Lu Jia-rong / Chen Kai-yu) 1150709

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