US says China gave only hours' notice before submarine missile test

China provided the United States with only a few hours' notice before launching a ballistic missile from a submarine on July 6, according to a State Department official. The notification lacked sufficient detail, falling short of the standards expected from P5 nuclear weapon states. This test occurred amid China's rapid and opaque expansion of its nuclear arsenal, raising significant concerns for the region.

The missile was fired from a nuclear-powered submarine into the Pacific Ocean. State media reported the launch, which drew criticism from the US, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan. The missile reportedly carried a dummy warhead and was launched into international waters.

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China’s notification to the United States came only a few hours before the launch and failed to provide sufficient detail, falling considerably short of standards adopted by all other P5 nuclear weapon states.

The incident has heightened regional tensions, with allies of the United States voicing worries about the limited advance warning and the lack of comprehensive information provided before the test. The launch underscores ongoing concerns about China's military modernization and its implications for regional security.

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The test occurred amid China’s rapid and opaque nuclear weapons buildup and is of great concern to the region.