U.S. calls China’s ballistic missile test ‘Of Great Concern’ as Pacific launch draws global scrutiny

The United States on Tuesday expressed deep concern over China’s recent long-range ballistic missile test, warning that Beijing’s expanding nuclear arsenal and lack of transparency pose growing security challenges for the Indo-Pacific region and the wider international community. The remarks were first reported by Kyodo News and later echoed in an official statement from the U.S. State Department.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Washington had monitored China’s launch of an unarmed intercontinental-range ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine into the southern Pacific Ocean. He described Beijing’s “rapid and opaque nuclear weapons buildup” as “of great concern to the region and the world,” while urging China to engage in meaningful arms control discussions and establish a regular notification mechanism for future intercontinental ballistic missile and space launches.

China conducted the missile test on Monday, describing it as part of the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s routine annual training programme. According to Chinese authorities, the missile carried a dummy warhead, complied with international law and practice, and was not directed at any specific country or target. Beijing also said relevant countries had been notified before the launch.

The launch nevertheless triggered strong reactions from several U.S. allies, including Japan, Australia and New Zealand, which argued that the exercise heightened regional tensions and underscored concerns over China’s rapidly expanding military capabilities. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the test as provocative, while New Zealand called for greater transparency surrounding strategic missile launches in the Pacific.

Washington reaffirmed that it remains committed to the defence of its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific, stressing that while the United States continues efforts to curb global nuclear proliferation, China’s accelerating strategic weapons programme is moving in the opposite direction. The State Department also called on Beijing to honour commitments made by the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council regarding advance notification of strategic missile launches.

The missile launch is widely viewed by defence analysts as another demonstration of China’s growing sea-based nuclear deterrent and its efforts to modernise strategic forces. The episode comes amid heightened geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific, where military activities involving China, the United States and regional allies have intensified over the past year, adding fresh uncertainty to the region’s security environment.