TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan on Monday condemned China for test-firing a submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean.
The PLA Navy said one of its nuclear submarines launched a strategic missile carrying a dummy warhead into a designated area of the Pacific Ocean, per China's state-run Xinhua. It described the launch as routine annual training and said it was not directed at any specific country or target.
Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Guo (郭雅慧) said the missile test followed increased Chinese military pressure in the region and legislation that Taiwan said enables "transnational repression," per Liberty Times. She said China was "now attempting to intimidate the international community by test-firing an intercontinental ballistic missile."
Kuo said the Presidential Office condemned the launch and urged Beijing to cease its "irresponsible unilateral actions." She said China has continued military exercises, gray-zone operations, and maritime coercion while expanding what it calls "law enforcement" activities in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait.
She urged Beijing to exercise restraint and return to a rules-based international order, Liberty Times reported. She added that G7 leaders recently opposed unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait.
Japan's government expressed concern over the launch and urged China to ensure its missiles do not fly over Japanese territory, per SET News. Australia and New Zealand also voiced concern, with Wellington saying the test directly affected the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone.
The Ministry of National Defense said the missile did not pass through the country's air defense identification zone but threatened regional peace and stability, per CNA. It said Taiwan's armed forces would work with allies and partners to monitor developments and respond as appropriate.
