China has conducted a long-range ballistic missile test from a nuclear-powered submarine in the South Pacific, prompting criticism from Australia, New Zealand and Japan over growing regional security concerns.
According to China's state news agency Xinhua, the missile was launched at about 12:01 p.m. local time on Monday and landed in designated waters of the Pacific Ocean. Beijing described the exercise as part of its routine annual military training and said it was not aimed at any country.
Australia's Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, said China had informed Canberra in advance but described the test as destabilising, citing concerns over China's rapid military expansion and lack of transparency.
Japan also confirmed it had been notified of the launch and expressed serious concern over increased Chinese military activities. The Japanese government added that Chinese authorities had warned about possible falling space debris near Japan's exclusive economic zone.
Meanwhile, New Zealand's Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, called the missile test an unwelcome development, saying Pacific nations do not want the South Pacific used as a testing ground for missile capabilities.
The launch comes amid heightened military activity in the Asia-Pacific region, including expanding defence cooperation between China and Russia.
.jpeg)
.jpeg "Sunayen kofofin aljanna guda takwas 8")
0 Comment about the Post: