Chinese missile test sparks regional tension and security concerns
Growing Chinese military activity in the region is a "serious concern," stated Japanese government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi, referring to the intercontinental ballistic missile test conducted on Wednesday by the Chinese military.
China has been continuing to increase its defence budget at high levels, and widely and rapidly strengthening its nuclear and missile capability including ICBM. There was no notification beforehand and, according to the comprehensive analysis, we have been confirmed that it flew over our territory and there was no damage recorded, said the spokesperson.
He added that Beijing did not warn authorities in Tokyo about Wednesday's test. He noted, however, that the missile did not fly over the Japanese archipelago, and the military will continue to monitor the situation.
The Chinese military, through the Ministry of Defence, reported that at 08:44 (Beijing Time) on Wednesday, an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) equipped with a dummy warhead was launched. This was the first ICBM test conducted by China revealed in 44 years.
Significant concern in the Pacific following China's missile test
According to the state news agency Xinhua, China "notified relevant countries in advance," but the report did not provide the missile's trajectory or place where it fell in the Pacific Ocean.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian refused to comment on the test during a press briefing in Beijing, repeatedly suggesting journalists direct their questions to the Ministry of Defence. Kyodo agency reported, citing sources familiar with the matter, that on Tuesday, the Chinese defence ministry notified the United States, Australia, and New Zealand in advance about the missile test.
However, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Winston Peters told AFP that the missile launch towards the southern Pacific was an "unwelcome and concerning development." He added that authorities in Wellington would consult with allies in the Pacific region as new information on the matter emerged.
