Australia criticized China's test of an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, calling it destabilizing for the region. This was reported by Bloomberg, writes UNN.
Details
According to the agency, the missile was launched on Monday from a nuclear submarine. It landed in the Pacific Ocean approximately 1,000 km northeast of the Solomon Islands, flying over the exclusive economic zones of the Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, and Kiribati.
China's Xinhua news agency reported that the launch was a "routine measure" and "not directed against any specific country or target." At the same time, Australia lodged a formal protest with Beijing.
Australia and the US expressed concern
Australia believes this test destabilizes the region and increases the risk of miscalculations. We do not believe this aligns with the position of Pacific leaders, who clearly state that the Pacific should be an ocean of peace
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles emphasized that this is a long-range missile that China itself says is capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
All of this is very concerning and deeply destabilizing
The US State Department also stated that it closely monitored the test and called on China for greater transparency.
Beijing's rapid and opaque buildup of nuclear weapons is causing serious concern in the region and the world
According to Bloomberg, the launch took place against the backdrop of increased defense cooperation between Australia and Pacific countries and the growing military presence of China in the Pacific Ocean.