China Test-Fires Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile Into Pacific, Drawing Regional Condemnation

States the test is destabilizing for the region and lacks the transparency and reassurance that Pacific neighbors expect.

“Destabilising acts can lead to miscalculation, can lead where we do not want these actions to lead. I think China is aware of Australia's position.”

States Australia was informed by China of the planned test and is very concerned about any actions that undermine the stability, peace, and security of the Pacific.

“This is a long-range missile test and we are very concerned about any actions that undermine the stability, peace and security of the Pacific.”

States New Zealand is deeply concerned and that the test appears to be a recurring pattern from China that cannot be allowed to become normalized or routine.

“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.”

States the test is evidence that NATO cannot be naive about China, also referring to China's support for Russia as a key enabler in the war against Ukraine.

“This, again, is evidence that we cannot be naive...and we are not.”

States Japan has concerns about the missile launch and will maintain the highest level of vigilance and surveillance.

“From the standpoint of the security of Japan and the region, the government has concerns in regard to this missile launch.”

States he does not expect China to push back severely on either government and believes China will welcome the understanding that the Australia-Fiji pact is between those two countries.

“I do not expect China to [push back severely] on either government, and I believe that they will welcome the understanding that it is between Australia and Fiji.”

States the launch was a routine military training activity and hopes relevant countries will not overinterpret it.

“We hope that the relevant countries will avoid overinterpretation.” ar

States that while the U.S. is working harder than ever to prevent nuclear proliferation, China is doing the opposite, and that Beijing's rapid and opaque nuclear weapons buildup is of great concern.

“Beijing's rapid and opaque nuclear weapons buildup is of great concern to the region and the world.”

States Australia regards the test as destabilizing to the region.

“Australia has been clear with China that we regard this as destabilizing to the region.”

States the test was a signal to the U.S. and demonstrates that China's nuclear deterrent is no longer centered solely on land-based missiles.

States that despite New Zealand's long-standing concerns, China carried out the test within hours of informing them.

“It appears that despite our long-standing concerns about this type of activity, China carried out the test within hours of informing us.”

States China's military activities, combined with its lack of transparency, have become a grave concern for Japan and the international society.

“China's military activities, combined with its lack of transparency, have become a grave concern for Japan and the international society.”

States that China's military modernization has occurred without concurrent increases in openness and transparency, resulting in uncertainty about China's intentions.

States the launch was conducted in a safe, regulated, and professional manner and hopes certain countries will refrain from overinterpreting them.

States the test was a routine part of China's annual military training and that relevant countries were notified in advance.

States China's intent is to increase nuclear deterrence capability primarily against the United States, and that the JL-3's multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles can separately attack 10 cities or targets.

States the test proves the importance of anti-submarine warfare for Taiwan and first island chain nations, and that the JL-3's range of over 9,000 km demonstrates the strategic importance of waters inside the first island chain.

Announces the successful test launch of a strategic missile carrying a dummy warhead, stating it is part of annual routine military training, complies with international law, and is not directed at any specific country or target.

“The missile test was part of China's annual routine military training program, the military said in a statement. Relevant countries were notified in advance. The test complied with international law and international practice and was not directed at any specific country or target.”

Reiterates that the test is a routine arrangement in China's annual military training, complies with international law and practice, and targets no specific country or objective.

“It complies with international law and established international customary practices and targets no specific country or objective, said Mao.”

States the test proves China's nuclear deterrent is no longer limited to land-based missiles and was a message to U.S. allies and partners like Japan and Australia.

States the test is a wake-up call for the president to negotiate with China and Russia to reduce nuclear threats, noting there is currently no international treaty limiting nuclear weapons.

Expresses alarm over China's rapid and opaque nuclear weapons buildup and urges China to engage in meaningful arms control discussions and commit to a regularized notification arrangement for missile launches.

“"At a time when the US is working harder than ever to prevent nuclear proliferation, China is doing the opposite," State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said. "Beijing's rapid and opaque nuclear weapons buildup is of great concern to the region and the world," he said in a statement.”

Condemns the test as a reckless display of military power and a calculated act of taunting and provocation against those who reject China's illegal expansionism.

“"This launch serves no peaceful purpose and is a calculated act of taunting and provocation against those who reject China's illegal expansionism and coercive conduct," the country's defence department said in a statement.”

States that the Chinese test was destabilizing to the region.

“Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said that the Chinese test was "destabilising to the region".”

Voices serious concerns over Beijing's growing military activity and states it strongly urged China to reconsider the launch.

“Japan, which said it was informed in advance of the launch, said it had strongly urged China to reconsider and voiced "serious concerns" over Beijing's growing military activity.”

Defends Beijing's test-firing as its sovereign right and states that China is not threatening anyone in the world.

“Russia, a Chinese ally, defended Beijing's test-firing as its "sovereign right" and said that China "is not threatening anyone in the world".”

Assesses that the test indicates China is moving toward a significantly more survivable and longer-range sea-based nuclear deterrent capability, capable of targeting the continental US from bastions close to Chinese waters.

“"A test of this length is a major development and would indicate that China is moving toward a significantly more survivable and longer-range sea-based nuclear deterrent capability," he said. It shows that China's navy "is capable of targeting the continental US from bastions close to Chinese waters".”

States that the test launch was a routine arrangement of China's annual military training and that relevant countries were informed in advance.

“Chinese navy spokesperson Wang Xuemeng said in a statement shared on WeChat that the test launch was "a routine arrangement of China's annual military training", and that "relevant countries were informed in advance".”

Notes that the test took place two hours after China informed Pacific nations of the missile launch.

“New Zealand said that the test took place two hours after China informed Pacific nations of the missile launch, but it was unclear if China gave notice to the US.”

States the test is evidence that NATO cannot be naive about China.

“This, again, is evidence that we cannot be naive...and we are not.” pt

States that the launch was destabilizing for the region and that China's rapid military buildup lacks transparency and reassurance as to intent.

“"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," Wong told reporters at a news conference in the Fijian capital Suva.”

Expresses grave concern over the Chinese military's increased activity and states it urged China to reconsider the launch.

“"We expressed our grave concern over the Chinese military's increased activity," Tokyo said, adding that Japan's Coast Guard had been notified on Sunday by Chinese authorities about falling space debris that could fall within Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).”

States New Zealand is deeply concerned by the test, calling it an unwelcome and concerning development, and says Pacific countries have no interest in China using the South Pacific as a testing site for missile capability.

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

States Australia regards the test as destabilizing to the region.

States New Zealand is deeply concerned and has no interest in China using the South Pacific as a testing site for missile capability.

States Japan expressed serious concern about China's increasing military activity.

States the test validates the full operational chain of China's sea-based nuclear forces and that the missile was likely a JL series with a range exceeding 8,000 km.

States the test significantly enhances China's deterrent capability and that an adversary will think carefully before taking action.

Assesses that it is important for China to be perceived as a serious military actor and that launching ICBMs from a nuclear-powered submarine demonstrates serious capability, while noting the PLA is operating on 'autopilot' due to purges.

“« Pour la Chine, c’est important d’être perçue comme un acteur sérieux en termes de capacité militaire, juge Alex Payette, cofondateur du cabinet Cercius, spécialiste de l’Armée populaire de libération. Être capable de lancer des missiles balistiques intercontinentaux depuis un sous-marin à propulsion nucléaire, ce n’est pas donné à beaucoup de pays, et cela montre que vous êtes un acteur très sérieux. »” fr

Interprets the test as a diplomatic message to the US and regional actors, a reminder to Chinese public opinion of nuclear modernization results, and notes that the core target is Taiwan.

“« Avec cet essai, Pékin lance un message diplomatique aux États-Unis et à tous les acteurs importants de la région, estime Emmanuelle Véron, géographe et enseignante‑chercheuse au Centre HEC de géopolitique. Mais c’est aussi une manière de rappeler à l’opinion publique en Chine qu’il y a bien des résultats dans la modernisation de la puissance nucléaire chinoise. »” fr

States that Australia has made unmistakably clear to China that it regards the test as destabilizing for the region.

“"Australien hat gegenüber China unmissverständlich zum Ausdruck gebracht, dass wir dies als destabilisierend für die Region betrachten", sagte Australiens Außenministerin Penny Wong laut Medienberichten über die Übung.” de

Confirms being informed by China of an impending ICBM test but without precise impact location, and expresses deep concern over China's testing of nuclear-capable weapons in the South Pacific.

“"Der Pazifik ist ein Ozean des Friedens, und wir sind zutiefst besorgt über Chinas Tests von atomwaffenfähigen Waffen im Südpazifik", erklärte er.” de

Announces the start of a joint naval exercise with Russia in waters and airspace near Qingdao, involving multiple ships and helicopters, followed by a joint sea patrol in the Pacific.

“Die Marineübung soll in den Gewässern und im Luftraum vor der Hafenstadt Qingdao im Landesteil Shandong stattfinden, gab das Verteidigungsministerium in Peking bekannt.” de

Reports the successful test firing of a strategic missile with a dummy warhead from a nuclear submarine into the Pacific, stating relevant countries were notified in advance and the test was not directed against any country.

“Nach eigenen Angaben der chinesischen Marine feuerte sie eine Rakete im Pazifik ab. Der Test der strategischen Rakete mit einem Übungssprengkopf sei erfolgreich verlaufen.” de

Expresses concern to Beijing over Chinese military activities.

“Japan brachte Peking gegenüber seine Besorgnis über chinesische Militäraktivitäten zum Ausdruck, wie das Verteidigungsministerium auf der Online-Plattform X mitteilte.” de

States the test launch is a routine part of China's annual military training, complies with international law and practice, is not directed against any specific country or target, and urges relevant countries not to over-interpret it.

“"the test launch 'is a routine part of China’s annual military training, in accordance with international law and practice, and is not directed against any specific country or target.' 'Relevant countries were notified in advance, and it complies with international law and practice. The launch activity was conducted safely, systematically, and professionally throughout. We hope relevant countries will not over-interpret it.'"”

States that Beijing's rapid and opaque nuclear weapons buildup is of great concern and urges China to engage in meaningful arms control discussions and commit to a regularized notification arrangement.

“"Beijing’s rapid and opaque nuclear weapons buildup is of great concern to the region and the world," Pigott said in a statement.”

Expresses concern that the test of a nuclear-capable ICBM from a nuclear-powered submarine risks fuelling dangerous nuclear proliferation and could undermine peace and stability in the region.

“"The fact that this was a test of a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile, fired from a nuclear powered submarine, that is of real concern," he said. "What we need is a less nuclear weapons, certainly not more."”

Describes the incident as further evidence for the need for a new regional security pact and states he registered a strong protest directly to China's ambassador, saying 'this is not something a friend does'.

“"China is a good friend of Solomon Islands. But this is not something a friend does. We don’t want to see any more countries – China, America, anybody – testing their ICBM’s in the Pacific Islands region. That’s the bottom line, be our friend but don’t threaten us."”

Disputes China's claim that the launch complied with international law, calling it a destabilizing event inconsistent with The Hague Convention on ballistic missile testing, and criticizes the insufficient notice provided.

“"no it’s not, to be honest. This has been a destabilising event and certainly has drawn criticism from countries in the Pacific and Asia. Secondly, it’s not consistent with The Hague Convention on ballistic missile testing, which would require more notice and greater information provided to countries."”

Posts a map purporting to show the missile's path and calls the test a provocation that destabilizes the Indo-Pacific, labelling China a bully.

“"It’s a provocation that destabilizes the IndoPacific. China just proved itself again to be a bully on the block," he wrote.”

Raises concerns about China's capabilities, noting the test demonstrates a much greater range in deploying a nuclear weapon, and states China's military buildup lacks strategic reassurance.

“"What we’re seeing here is a long range missile test from China, which China itself has said, is nuclear capable. It’s been launched from a submarine, which also has implications here," he told ABC TV. "This is China demonstrating a much greater range in terms of being able to deploy a nuclear weapon."”

States the launch was not directed at any specific country or target and hopes relevant countries will not over-interpret it.

“"Related launch operations were conducted safely, in a standardised manner and professionally. It is hoped that relevant countries will not over-interpret this," spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters.”

States the missile test was destabilizing to the region and that it occurred in the context of a rapid Chinese military buildup lacking transparency and reassurance as to intent.

“"Australia has been clear with China that we regard this as destabilising to the region," Wong said from Fiji.”

States it tried to convince China not to fire the test missile and expressed serious concerns over China's increasing military activity.

“A statement from the Japanese government said it had tried to convince China not to fire the test missile, and had "expressed serious concerns over China's increasing military activity".”

States the missile test launch is a routine arrangement of China's annual military training and that relevant countries were informed in advance.

“"This missile test launch is a routine arrangement of China’s annual military training, and relevant countries were informed in advance," spokesperson Wang Xuemeng said in the WeChat statement.”

Confirms China informed Australia on Monday of its intention to conduct the test and expresses concern about actions undermining the stability, peace, and security of the Pacific.

“"We were informed by China today of its intention to do this test," Marles told a press conference on Monday afternoon. "This is a long-range missile test, and we are very concerned about any actions which undermine the stability, the peace, and security of the Pacific," he said.”

Describes the test as deeply concerning and criticizes that China carried out the test within hours of informing New Zealand.

“"The Pacific is an Ocean of Peace and we are deeply concerned by China’s testing of nuclear-capable weapons into the South Pacific."”

Asserts the timing of the test was not a coincidence and indicates China will use military force or the threat of it to intimidate small Pacific states into not seeking closer relations with Australia.

“"[The test] is clearly an indication that China will use military force, or the threat of military force, to try to intimidate and coerce small Pacific states into not seeking closer relations with Australia," he said.”

States the government did not believe there was a link between the alliance announcement and the test, but says Australia is deeply concerned and has conveyed those concerns to the Chinese government.

“"The motivations behind it, I think, are a question for the Chinese government. I think the Australian people, and indeed the people of the Pacific, would like to know the motivation behind it," Thistlethwaite said.”

Notes that Chinese satellite-tracking vessels positioned throughout the Pacific indicate the test was planned well in advance, and observes the notification landing the day after the Australia-Fiji alliance signing is interesting.

“"These vessels carry large satellite dishes used to track missile launches and other space activity and are likely in the Pacific to collect data from the missile test China has reportedly notified regional governments to expect within 24 hours," said Mark Douglas, an analyst for Starboard.”

States Australia has made clear its concerns and calls the missile test a provocative act by China which destabilizes the region, adding there should have been 48 hours' notice.

“"provocative act by China, which does destabilise the region".”

States that while China is a good friend of Solomon Islands, the missile test is not something a friend does, and declares that no country should test ICBMs in the Pacific Islands region.

“"China is a 'good friend' of Solomon Islands but 'this is not something a friend does'. We don’t want anybody testing the ICBMs [intercontinental ballistic missiles] in the Pacific Islands region. That’s the bottom line. Be our friend, but don’t threaten us."”

States the test is deeply concerning and unwelcome, notes that China carried it out within hours of informing New Zealand, and says it goes against the object and intent of the Treaty of Rarotonga.

“Earlier today, China informed us of its plans to launch a long-range ballistic missile into the South Pacific. It appears that despite our long-standing concerns about this type of activity, China carried out the test within hours of informing us.”

Argues the test was a deliberate riposte to the Australia-Fiji alliance and a clear warning that Beijing will use implied military force to achieve its strategic objectives in the Southwest Pacific.

States the test represents an escalation in China's military expansion and sends a deeply concerning strategic signal to Australia and the wider Indo-Pacific.

Argues the test is another example of China's aggressive behavior towards smaller countries and draws attention to China's unprecedented nuclear expansion, which will have a deleterious effect on the global non-proliferation order.

Suggests the test could be counter-productive for China two months before the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, as militarization is a key concern in the region.

States the test was a routine annual training arrangement, that relevant countries were notified in advance, and that it complies with international law and is not directed at any specific country or target.

“This test launch is a routine arrangement of the annual training of the Chinese PLA Navy. The Chinese side has already notified relevant countries in advance. This test launch complies with international law and international practice and is not directed at any specific country or target.”

States the test is China's sovereign right and that China does not threaten anyone in the world.

States the launch was a routine military training activity conducted in accordance with international law and hopes relevant countries will avoid overinterpretation.

“The related launch activity was conducted in a safe, regulated, and professional manner, and we hope that certain countries will refrain from overinterpreting them.” ko

States Japan expressed serious concern about China's increasing military activity and urged China to reconsider missile testing to avoid threatening Japanese security.

“These Chinese military trends, due to a lack of transparency, have become a serious concern for Japan and the international community.” ko

States the missile was most likely the JL-3, that China is entering a new era of testing where every system will get its moment in the sun, and that China is now willing to pay the political costs of more frequent ICBM tests.