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🇰🇷 South Korea /Conflict & Security

US-led 40 nations criticize Pacific missile tests; China not named

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • 40 countries, led by the United States, issued a joint statement criticizing recent missile test activities in the Pacific.
  • The statement, which did not directly name China, warned that such tests without sufficient prior notification endanger peace and security.
  • South Korea joined the statement, emphasizing its consistent stance on the importance of advance notification for missile and space launch vehicle tests.

A coalition of 40 nations, spearheaded by the United States, has released a joint statement expressing concern over recent missile test activities in the Pacific. While the statement pointedly criticizes the practice of conducting ballistic missile tests, including those capable of carrying nuclear weapons, without adequate prior notification, it notably refrains from explicitly naming China.

Recent missile test activities in the Pacific region did not adhere to the standard practice adopted by most countries for notifying launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), SLBMs, and space launch vehicles (SLVs).

— U.S. State Department spokespersonThe joint statement issued by the U.S. State Department outlining concerns about missile tests.

The statement, issued by the U.S. State Department, highlighted that these recent missile test activities in the Pacific region did not adhere to the standard practice adopted by most countries for notifying launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and space launch vehicles (SLVs). It warned that conducting such tests without sufficient advance notice and details poses risks and undermines the peace and security of adjacent nations.

Conducting ballistic missile tests capable of carrying nuclear weapons without sufficient prior notification and details is dangerous and undermines the peace and security of adjacent countries.

— U.S. State Department spokespersonThe joint statement issued by the U.S. State Department outlining concerns about missile tests.

Although China was not directly identified, the phrasing strongly suggests criticism of China's recent SLBM test. The joint statement saw participation from key European nations like Germany and France, alongside allies such as South Korea, Japan, and Australia, and Pacific island nations including the Marshall Islands and Palau. South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while not issuing a formal announcement, stated its participation was based on its principle of emphasizing the importance of advance notification systems for ballistic missiles and space launch vehicles. The ministry expressed hope for constructive roles from all nations towards the shared goal of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

We have consistently emphasized the importance of advance notification systems for ballistic missiles and space launch vehicles, and our participation in this joint statement is based on this principled stance.

— South Korea Ministry of Foreign Affairs officialExplaining South Korea's rationale for joining the joint statement.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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