China has conducted a long-range ballistic missile test over the Pacific Ocean, with Xinhua, China’s state news agency, reporting that the missile carried a dummy warhead and landed in a designated area. Chinese authorities said the launch was part of a routine exercise and was not directed at any country or target.
The test prompted concern across the Indo-Pacific, with several governments describing it as a destabilising development amid broader regional security challenges.
Key developments:
- New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the launch was an unwelcome development and expressed concern over missile testing in the South Pacific.
- Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong described the test as destabilising in the context of China’s expanding military capabilities.
- Japan said it had conveyed serious concern to China after receiving advance notification of the launch.
Analysts said the test may reflect China’s continued modernisation of its submarine-based nuclear deterrent and could signal more frequent missile testing in the future.
ℹ️ nyt
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