China test fires missile into Pacific, alarming regional powers

China's military conducted a missile test-firing from a nuclear submarine into the Pacific Ocean on Monday, an action that has alarmed regional powers including Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.

The People's Liberation Army Navy launched the missile, reportedly carrying a dummy warhead, towards international waters at 12:01 PM. China's official Xinhua news agency stated the missile landed in designated waters and described the launch as a "routine arrangement" of the country's annual military training, asserting it was not directed at any specific nation or target.

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Australia has been clear that this proposed test is in the context of a rapid military buildup by China, which is lacking in the transparency and reassurance as to intent that the region expects.

Despite China's assurances, the missile test has sparked significant concern. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong noted that while China had notified Australia of the planned test, she called the launch "destabilizing" for the region. Wong emphasized that Australia views China's rapid military buildup as lacking the transparency and reassurance expected by the region.

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We expressed our grave concern over the Chinese military's increased activity.

Japan's government also expressed grave concern, urging China to reconsider such actions. Tokyo stated it had received notification of the launch and noted that Chinese authorities had informed Japan's Coast Guard about potential falling space debris within Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Reports indicate the missile ultimately landed outside Japan's EEZ.

New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters echoed these concerns, calling the test an "unwelcome and concerning development." He stated that New Zealand, along with other Pacific neighbors, has no desire for China to use the South Pacific as a testing ground for its missile capabilities.

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New Zealand considers this an unwelcome and concerning development. We, like our neighbours in other Pacific countries, have no interest in China using the South Pacific as a testing site for missile capability.