The United States has voiced concern over China’s latest submarine-launched intercontinental-range ballistic missile test, saying Beijing’s expanding nuclear programme runs counter to international efforts to curb nuclear proliferation.
The warning comes after China acknowledged launching an unarmed long-range ballistic missile carrying a dummy warhead from a submarine into the Pacific Ocean. Washington said the development underscored the need for greater transparency and renewed arms control engagement.
According to the US State Department, American authorities tracked the launch of an unarmed intercontinental-range ballistic missile that landed in the southern Pacific Ocean.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said China’s rapid expansion of its nuclear capabilities remained a matter of concern.
“At a time when the United States is working harder than ever to prevent nuclear proliferation, China is doing the opposite,” Pigott said.
He added that Beijing’s “rapid and opaque nuclear weapons buildup is of great concern to the region and the world.”
US presses Beijing for greater missile transparency
Washington urged China to begin meaningful arms control discussions and adopt a regular notification mechanism for intercontinental-range ballistic missile and space launches.
“We continue to urge China to engage in meaningful arms control discussions and commit to a regularised notification arrangement for all intercontinental-range ballistic missile and space launches consistent with commitments made by all other P5 members,” Pigott said.
The United States also reiterated its defence commitments in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The United States remains steadfast in our defence commitments to our allies and partners,” the statement said.
Regional governments react to Pacific missile launch
China said the missile carried a dummy warhead and landed in a designated area of the Pacific Ocean after advance notification was issued to relevant countries. The launch was a rare public demonstration of China’s sea-based strategic missile capability.
The test also drew reactions from several regional governments.
New Zealand described the launch as an “unwelcome and concerning development”. Australia called it “destabilising to the region”, while Japan expressed concern over what it said was the intensification of China’s military activities.