China on Monday conducted a rare test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile in the Pacific Ocean, sparking criticism from New Zealand and Australia for actions that they said threatened peace and stability in the region.
Details of the Test
A People’s Liberation Army Navy submarine launched a strategic missile carrying a dummy warhead toward relevant high seas of the Pacific Ocean, which landed precisely within the designated waters, according to a statement from Senior Capt. Wang Xuemeng, a spokesperson for the PLA Navy.
Wang stated that this test launch was a routine part of China’s annual military training schedule and that relevant nations were informed in advance about the test. The operation was in accordance with international law and practice, targeting no specific country or objective, Wang added.
Reaction from Pacific Neighbors
New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters expressed concern over the test, stating that China fired the missile into waters of the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone, established in 1986 by the Treaty of Rarotonga. Peters considered this an unwelcome and concerning development.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong called the test destabilizing to the region, viewing it in the context of a rapid military build-up by China, which is lacking in transparency and reassurance as to intent that the region expects.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
