Tokyo, July 6: China’s military successfully conducted a missile test from a nuclear-powered submarine towards the Pacific Ocean on Monday, raising concerns among several countries, including Japan and Taiwan. According to Japanese media, the test has sparked alarm in the region.
Japan’s government spokesperson, Minoru Kihara, stated that the missile did not pass over Japan’s territory or enter its exclusive economic zone. He noted that China had previously informed Japan about the ballistic missile launch.
However, Kihara criticized China for rapidly increasing its defense budget without sufficient transparency and for expanding its nuclear missile capabilities, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, at an alarming rate. He assured that no Japanese ships or aircraft were harmed by the missile test, but expressed concern, stating that Japan would maintain full vigilance.
The Japanese government reported that China had notified them of the missile test around 11:30 AM. Following this, Japan urged China to reconsider such missile tests to avoid any threats to its security, expressing serious concerns over China’s growing military activities.
Taiwan’s presidential office also condemned the missile test, asserting that China is attempting to intimidate the international community through such actions, which undermine peace and stability worldwide. According to Kyodo News, Taiwan’s presidential office spokesperson, Karen Kuo, called on China to exercise restraint, respect the rules-based international order, and immediately cease such irresponsible unilateral actions.
Australia and New Zealand also responded to the missile test. Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong described it as a destabilizing move for the entire region, while New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed deep concern over the test of a missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons. Peters remarked that this test appears to be part of China’s ongoing aggressive posture, similar to its testing of an intercontinental ballistic missile in the South Pacific in 2024.
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Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
