DistantNews
Support us
🇳🇿 New Zealand /Conflict & Security

Chinese Embassy in Kiribati Accuses Critics of 'Double Standards' Over Missile Test

From RNZ Pacific · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The Chinese Embassy in Kiribati defended China's recent nuclear-capable missile test in the South Pacific, calling criticism "double standards."
  • An embassy spokesperson stated the missile warhead was a dummy and the test was routine, posing no threat and not targeting Kiribati.
  • The embassy urged Kiribati citizens to remain objective and not be swayed by prejudiced media, highlighting China's limited strategic missile tests compared to other nuclear powers.

The Chinese Embassy in Kiribati has pushed back against regional criticism of China's recent nuclear-capable missile test in the South Pacific. Accusing some nations of employing "double standards," the embassy asserted that the test was routine and posed no threat.

The missile warhead was a dummy and the 'routine' test did not pose any threat of harm.

— Chinese Embassy spokespersonDefending the nature and intent of the missile test.

A spokesperson for the embassy stated on social media that the missile warhead used was a dummy. They reiterated Beijing's Foreign Ministry position, emphasizing that the test was conducted in line with international law and practice and was not directed at any specific country, including Kiribati. The spokesperson highlighted that China has conducted only three strategic missile tests in the Pacific since 1949, contrasting this with the hundreds conducted by countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and India.

Testing strategic missiles is a common practice among nuclear-armed countries and 'by no means targeted Kiribati.'

— Chinese Embassy spokespersonJustifying the test within international norms and denying specific targeting.

Regional leaders had expressed concerns, with Palau's leader warning of "nuclear anxiety" and New Zealand's prime minister calling the test "incredibly unwelcome." The Chinese Embassy, however, suggested hypocrisy from countries that criticize China's alleged proliferation while acquiring strategic nuclear submarines. They urged the people of Kiribati to be "objective and rational" and to disregard media outlets perceived as holding prejudices against China.

It is in line with international law and international practice and is not directed against any country or target.

— Chinese Embassy spokespersonFurther asserting the legality and non-aggression of the test.

China-Kiribati relations have been described as friendly and robust since Kiribati officially switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in September 2019. The embassy's statement aims to counter negative perceptions and reassure its partner nation.

China has only conducted 3 strategic missile tests since 1949 in the Pacific.

— Chinese Embassy spokespersonProviding a comparative statistic to downplay China's testing frequency.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by RNZ Pacific in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog