China's announcement of a test launch of a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear submarine toward the Pacific Ocean has triggered a wave of regional anxiety. Japan, Australia, and New Zealand rushed to express their concerns over the implications of this move on the region's security and stability, according to Reuters.
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While Beijing stressed that it had notified some countries in advance of the test, Tokyo called for a reconsideration of such exercises. Meanwhile, Canberra described the launch as a destabilizing factor, and Wellington deemed it a concerning and unwelcome development, occurring amidst escalating military and strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region.
Japanese Objection
Japan revealed that it had strongly urged China to reconsider test-firing a missile into the Pacific Ocean, following Beijing's announcement on Monday of the test, of which Tokyo had been informed in advance.
A joint statement issued prior to the launch by several Japanese ministries, including Defense and Foreign Affairs, stated: "We strongly called for a rethink of this ballistic missile test-firing to ensure it does not pose a threat to Japan's security, particularly by passing through its airspace."
Australian Warning
For her part, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong warned on Monday that China's test launch of a long-range missile into the South Pacific would "destabilize" the region.
"Australia has been clear with China that we regard this as destabilizing to the region," the Australian minister said.
China's confirmation of the test came just hours after Australia signed a defense alliance agreement with the Pacific island nation of Fiji.
New Zealand Concern
Meanwhile, New Zealand expressed deep concern over the test, adding that it had been notified hours before execution.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters stated in a declaration that his country considers this "an unwelcome and deeply concerning development. We, along with our Pacific neighbors, do not wish for China to use the South Pacific as a testing ground for its missile capabilities."
Chinese Justification
Chinese state media reported that the Chinese military conducted a test launch of a missile from a nuclear submarine toward the Pacific Ocean today, drawing criticism and concerns from Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
The official Xinhua News Agency reported that a strategic nuclear submarine belonging to the People's Liberation Army Navy launched the missile, which carried a dummy warhead, toward international waters in the Pacific Ocean.
The official agency added that the missile landed precisely within the "designated" area, without providing further details regarding the exact location.
Xinhua described the launch as a "routine arrangement" within China's annual military exercises, emphasizing that it was not directed against any specific country or target.
