The Chinese Military announced on Monday that a nuclear-powered submarine had successfully test-fired a missile towards the Pacific, causing alarm among neighboring nations, as reported by Japanese media. Japanese government spokesperson Minoru Kihara clarified that the projectile did not cross into Japan’s territory or Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), with prior notification given to Japan about China’s ballistic missile launch. Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara criticized China for its lack of transparency in defense spending and the rapid expansion of its nuclear missile capabilities, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, according to Kyodo News.
No Japanese vessels or aircraft were harmed during the missile test, but Japan expressed unease over the launch and pledged to maintain vigilance. Following China’s notification at approximately 11:30 am, Japan urged China to reconsider the missile firing to avoid jeopardizing Japan’s security and conveyed serious apprehension about escalating military operations, as stated by the Japanese government.
Taiwan’s Presidential Office strongly condemned the missile launch, accusing Beijing of attempting to intimidate the international community through the test-firing, which was deemed detrimental to global peace and stability. Taiwan’s Presidential Office spokeswoman Karen Kuo urged China to exhibit restraint, adhere to internationally recognized regulations, and immediately halt its reckless unilateral actions, as per Kyodo News.
Australia and New Zealand also reacted to the missile test, with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong denouncing the launch as destabilizing to the region, while New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed deep concern over the deployment of nuclear-capable weapons. Peters highlighted that the missile launch seemed to follow a recurring trend by China, reminiscent of Beijing’s 2024 test-firing of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) into the South Pacific.
