The United States has criticised China for providing only a few hours’ notice before test-firing a nuclear-capable ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean, calling the notification inadequate and warning that Beijing’s growing nuclear capabilities are fuelling regional security concerns.
The missile was launched from a nuclear-powered submarine on July 6, according to Chinese state media. The test immediately drew criticism from the United States, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan.
A US State Department official said China failed to follow the advance notification practices observed by the world’s recognised nuclear powers.
“China’s notification to the United States came only a few hours before the launch and failed to provide sufficient detail, falling considerably short of standards adopted by all other P5 nuclear weapon states,” the official said.
Washington described the launch as particularly concerning given China’s rapid expansion of its nuclear arsenal and its lack of transparency.
The official also criticised Beijing for bypassing established diplomatic mechanisms used to notify other countries before such launches.
“We urge Beijing to engage in meaningful discussions on strategic stability and arms control,” the official said, reaffirming US security commitments to its allies and partners.
China Rejects Criticism
Beijing dismissed the US criticism, accusing Washington of applying “double standards and hegemonism.”
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning defended the launch as a routine military exercise and argued that the United States, which regularly conducts strategic missile tests, was in no position to criticise China.
She urged Washington to view China’s military development “objectively and rationally.”
Although Chinese authorities did not identify the missile, state-run Global Times, citing a military expert, said it was likely the JL-3, China’s most advanced submarine-launched ballistic missile.
According to previous Pentagon assessments, the JL-3 has the range to strike the continental United States from waters near China’s coastline.
Growing Strategic Rivalry
The latest exchange comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Beijing over military competition and nuclear modernisation.
China has repeatedly rejected US proposals for formal nuclear arms control talks, arguing that Washington still possesses a far larger nuclear arsenal.
The two countries briefly began discussions on strategic stability, but Beijing suspended the talks in 2024 in protest against continued US arms sales to Taiwan.
The latest missile test is expected to add further strain to an already tense relationship as both sides compete for military and strategic influence across the Indo-Pacific.
(with inputs from Reuters)
