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China defends July 6 Pacific missile test amid Australian criticism
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Conflict & Security

China defends July 6 Pacific missile test amid Australian criticism

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • China defended its July 6 strategic missile test in the Pacific, calling it routine military training not aimed at any specific country.
  • Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed Canberra's view that the test was "destabilizing" to China's counterpart Wang Yi.
  • China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated the launch complied with international law and that Australia, not being a party to South China Sea disputes, should not intervene.

China has defended its July 6 strategic missile launch from a nuclear submarine into the Pacific Ocean, characterizing it as a routine military exercise. The defense comes after Australia formally conveyed its disapproval of the test.

the trial, conducted on July 6, was a "routine military training activity" of the People's Liberation Army and was "not directed against any country or specific target."

— Lin JianChina's Foreign Ministry spokesperson explained the nature of the missile test.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated during a press conference that the launch was a "routine military training activity" of the People's Liberation Army and was "not directed against any country or specific target." He asserted that China had provided prior notification to countries including Australia and that the launch "complied with international law and practices of the international community."

complied with international law and practices of the international community.

— Lin JianChina's Foreign Ministry spokesperson asserted the legality of the missile launch.

However, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong conveyed Canberra's concerns directly to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Wong described the test as "destabilizing" during a meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting in Manila. The state-run Xinhua news agency had reported the successful launch, stating the missile hit its target precisely in international waters, though details on the missile type, submarine class, or exact impact point were not disclosed.

Camberra considers the test "destabilizing".

— Penny WongAustralian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated Australia's position on the missile test.

Lin also addressed Australian criticism regarding the South China Sea, where Wong had expressed "deep concern" over "destabilizing and risky" behavior following a recent incident between Chinese coast guard vessels and Filipino marines. Lin accused Manila of "deliberate provocations" and being "the root" of maritime tensions, while arguing that certain countries, not directly involved in the disputes, have "no right to intervene."

deliberate provocations" and being "the root" of maritime tensions

— Lin JianChina's Foreign Ministry spokesperson accused the Philippines of causing tensions in the South China Sea.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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