WASHINGTON, D.C., United States – The United States has criticized China following its launch of an unarmed intercontinental-range submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), warning that Beijing's expanding nuclear capabilities pose growing concerns for regional and global security.
In a statement issued on Monday, the U.S. State Department said China's "rapid and opaque nuclear weapons build-up" remains a matter of serious concern, accusing Beijing of moving in the opposite direction as Washington's efforts to curb nuclear proliferation.
The United States also urged China to adopt a formal notification mechanism for all intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and space launches, in line with commitments made by the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (P5).
The missile test also drew criticism from Australia and New Zealand, both of which warned that such military activities could undermine peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.
China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) said the missile carried a dummy warhead that landed accurately within a designated area of the southern Pacific Ocean.
PLAN spokesperson Wang Xuemeng described the launch as part of China's annual military training programme, adding that relevant countries had been notified in advance.
According to the Chinese military, the test complied with international law and was not directed at any specific country or target.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning also defended the launch, calling it a routine military exercise consistent with international practice.
According to CNN, the missile reportedly travelled through the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of Micronesia, Nauru, Kiribati and Tuvalu before landing near the maritime boundary of Kiribati or Tuvalu.
The latest exchange highlights growing strategic rivalry between Washington and Beijing as concerns continue to mount over military activity and nuclear deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.
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