China conducts a long-range, nuclear-capable missile test in the Pacific Ocean, prompting swift criticism from regional governments. Multiple outlets report that the missile is launched from a Chinese nuclear-powered submarine and lands in “designated” waters in the Pacific on Monday, with China saying the exercise is a “routine arrangement” tied to annual military training and that relevant countries are informed in advance. Australia condemns the test as destabilising to the region, and the Albanese government says China does not provide the standard 48 hours’ advance notice. The Solomon Islands’ Prime Minister Matthew Wale says he lodges a strong protest with Chinese diplomats on behalf of Pacific nations concerned about the test. Tonga’s prime minister also joins regional leaders in condemning the move, and other countries in the Pacific and among traditional security partners—such as Japan and New Zealand—express serious concerns. Japan urges China to reconsider, citing worries about safety and potential security impacts, including the possibility of the missile’s trajectory posing risks. While China maintains the launch is routine and for training with a dummy warhead, regional officials frame the short-notice nature and the use of a nuclear submarine as factors that increase tension and strategic uncertainty in the Pacific.
Pacific leaders condemn China’s short-notice long-range missile test from nuclear submarine
China conducts a long-range, nuclear-capable missile test in the Pacific Ocean, prompting swift criticism from regional governments. Multiple outlets report that the missile is launched from a Chinese...
- China test-fires a long-range, nuclear-capable missile from a nuclear-powered submarine in the Pacific on Monday, carrying a dummy or training warhead.
- China describes the launch as a routine arrangement for annual military training and says relevant countries are informed in advance.
- Australia condemns the test as destabilising and says China does not follow standard 48-hour advance notice procedures.
- Solomon Islands’ Prime Minister Matthew Wale says he lodges a strong protest with Chinese diplomats on behalf of concerned Pacific nations.
- Japan and other regional governments urge China to reconsider, raising concerns about safety and potential security risks in the region.
Australia has taken up Beijing's missile launch into the Pacific with a number of higher-ups within the Chinese Communist Party, one minister says.
1 month agoTonga’s Prime Minister joined a chorus of regional leaders condemning China’s testing of a nuclear-capable long-range missile in the Pacific.
1 month agoTonga’s Prime Minister joined a chorus of regional leaders condemning China’s testing of a nuclear-capable long-range missile in the Pacific.
1 month agoTonga’s Prime Minister joined a chorus of regional leaders condemning China’s testing of a nuclear-capable long-range missile in the Pacific.
1 month agoAustralia warned of Chinese nuclear missile test in South Pacific
1 month agoBeijing described the test as ‘routine’, while the US, Australia and countries in the Pacific condemned the exerciseChina’s decision to conduct a missile test in the Pacific at short-notice has prompted swift condemnation from leaders including the US, Australia and New Zealand, who have accused Beijing of “destabilising” the region.The test was carried out on Monday, with the missile reportedly flying thousands of kilometres across the Pacific in what China described as a “routine” military exercise. Continue reading...
1 month ago
Trump says U.S. is not talking with Iran as it pushes economic pressure
President Donald Trump says the United States is not engaging in talks with Iran, while Washington emphasizes economic p...
By-election in Dover, Kent: Greens-backed Restore edges Reform for first council seat
A by-election in Dover, Kent is won by Ingrid Dodd for Zack Polanski’s party, Restore. The result gives Restore its firs...
Government denies Blue Ribbon and other millers’ Bulawayo shutdown over maize shortage
Government rejects claims that Blue Ribbon Industries, along with 23 other millers, has shut down operations in Bulawayo...