China’s Pacific Missile Test Draws Condemnation From U.S. and Regional Allies

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – China’s test-firing of a submarine-launched ballistic missile across the Pacific has drawn condemnation from the United States and several Indo-Pacific governments, intensifying concerns over Beijing’s expanding military reach and lack of transparency.

The missile, reportedly a JL-2 submarine-launched ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, was fired July 6 from waters near south-east China and traveled roughly 6,300 kilometers before landing southeast of Nauru in the South Pacific.

Taiwan’s National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu said the missile flew over the Philippines and described the launch as a destabilizing provocation in the Indo-Pacific.

The test came just hours after Australia signed a new defense agreement with Fiji, part of a growing network of Pacific security arrangements aimed at countering regional threats and resisting Beijing’s expanding influence.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Washington monitored the launch and accused China of undermining global nuclear non-proliferation efforts. He urged Beijing to enter meaningful arms control talks and adopt regular notification procedures for long-range missile tests.

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the launch a “provocative act,” warning that the Pacific must not become a testing ground for destabilizing weapons. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale said the incident could strengthen the case for a wider South Pacific security pact, allowing regional nations to speak with one voice and share intelligence more effectively.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters also denounced the launch, saying Pacific nations have “no interest” in China using the region to test missile capabilities. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Tokyo was concerned about China’s military activity and its lack of transparency.

Beijing rejected the criticism, insisting the launch was routine, safe, lawful, and not directed at any nation. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning urged other governments not to “overinterpret” the test and said affected countries had been notified in advance.

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