US-led 40 nations criticize Pacific missile tests, stop short of naming China

A coalition of 40 nations, spearheaded by the United States, has issued a joint statement expressing concern over recent missile test activities in the Pacific region. While the statement criticizes the lack of standard notification practices, it pointedly avoids directly naming China as the subject of its criticism.

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Missile test activities in the Pacific have recently not followed the standard practices adopted by most countries for notifying and avoiding collisions for ICBM, SLBM, and SLV launches.

The statement, released by the U.S. State Department, highlighted that recent missile test activities in the Pacific did not adhere to the established international practice of providing prior notification and collision avoidance for intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), and space launch vehicle (SLV) tests. It warned that conducting such tests, especially those capable of carrying nuclear warheads, without adequate advance notice and details poses risks to the peace and security of neighboring countries.

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

Although China was not explicitly mentioned, the phrasing "SLBM test launches by nuclear-armed states in the Pacific region" strongly suggests Beijing's recent actions are the focus. This refers to a test conducted by the Chinese navy on June 6, involving a simulated warhead-equipped SLBM launched from a strategic nuclear submarine in international waters.

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We have consistently emphasized the importance of strengthening the advance notification system for ballistic missiles and space launch vehicles, and based on this principled stance, we participated in this joint statement.

South Korea, Japan, Australia, Germany, France, and several South Pacific nations, including the Marshall Islands and Palau, were among the signatories. The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated its participation was based on its consistent emphasis on the importance of strengthening advance notification systems for ballistic missiles and space launch vehicles. The ministry added that it hopes for constructive roles from all nations in achieving peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

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We hope that each country will play a constructive role for the common goal of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region while closely monitoring the security environment.