On Monday, China conducted a test launch of a long-range ballistic missile with a simulated warhead in the Pacific Ocean. The test sparked outrage among countries in the region. The New York Times reports, as conveyed by UNN.
On Monday, China conducted a test launch of a long-range ballistic missile with a simulated warhead in the Pacific Ocean — the first such launch in nearly two years, prompting concerned countries to criticize the move as destabilizing
Governments in the region were notified of the launch shortly before it took place. The open demonstration of China's rapidly growing military capability threatens to further fuel an arms race in the Pacific region amid concerns over U.S. resolve in supporting the region.
The missile was launched from a Chinese nuclear-powered submarine.
The launch came as the leaders of Australia and Fiji announced the signing of a mutual defense treaty and the creation of a regional security alliance — the latest in a series of agreements Canberra is forging with Pacific island nations, widely seen as efforts to counter China's expansion. In September 2024, China launched an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead with a simulated warhead across the Pacific Ocean into waters near French Polynesia, drawing condemnation from regional countries. It was China's first known ICBM test in the Pacific region in four decades
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said in a statement that the country is "deeply concerned" and that Monday's test appears to be part of a "repeated practice by China."
New Zealand considers this an undesirable and alarming development. We, like our neighbors in other Pacific countries, are not interested in China using the South Pacific as a testing ground for missile capabilities
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong called the test "destabilizing for the region" and noted that it took place "amid China's rapid military buildup."
The Japanese government said it "expressed serious concern over the intensification of China's military activities." The statement noted that Japan urged China to reconsider the launch decision after receiving a warning.
Recall
China and Russia will hold joint naval exercises "Joint Sea 2026" later this month.