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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Conflict & Security

China denies nuclear arms race after testing submarine-launched intercontinental missile

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • China conducted a routine military training exercise involving a submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile test into the Pacific Ocean.
  • The Chinese Ministry of Defense stated the test complied with international law and that China is not engaged in a nuclear arms race.
  • The missile test drew criticism from Taiwan, the United States, and Japan, who expressed concerns about regional stability and China's military buildup.

China's Ministry of Defense confirmed on July 6 that its navy conducted a routine training exercise, launching a submarine-launched strategic ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean. The ministry stated the launch achieved its objectives and complied with international law and practices, asserting that China adheres to a defensive defense policy and is not engaged in a nuclear arms race.

This is a routine arrangement for annual military training, in line with international law and international practice.

— Chen XiSpokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Defense, explaining the missile test.

"This is a routine arrangement for annual military training, in line with international law and international practice," said Chen Xi, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Defense, in a statement. He added that China had notified relevant countries in advance, demonstrating transparency. Chen insisted China "always maintains its nuclear forces at the minimum level necessary for national security" and "does not engage in a nuclear arms race with any country."

This is a provocation and undermines the stability of the Indo-Pacific region.

— Wu Chao-hsiehTaiwan's National Security Council Secretary-General, commenting on the missile test.

The test, however, sparked immediate international concern. Taiwan's National Security Council Secretary-General, Wu Chao-hsieh, called the launch a provocation that undermines stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The U.S. State Department expressed serious concern over China's rapid and opaque nuclear weapon buildup, contrasting it with U.S. efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte commented that the event shows "we cannot be naive about China."

China's rapid and opaque buildup of nuclear weapons is a cause for serious concern for the region and the world.

— U.S. State DepartmentStatement regarding China's missile test.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, Minoru Kiihara, echoed these sentiments, stating that China's significant and rapid expansion of nuclear and missile capabilities, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, without sufficient transparency is a cause for deep concern for Japan and the international community.

This shows that we cannot be naive about China.

— Mark RutteNATO Secretary-General, responding to questions about the missile test.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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