China indicated that it had carried out a test firing of a missile, not carrying a nuclear charge, on Monday July 6 in the Pacific, after countries in the region said they had been warned of an imminent test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
“A nuclear-powered strategic missile launcher submarine” “successfully fired, on July 6 at 12:01 p.m., a strategic missile equipped with a simulated charge training warhead, towards the international waters of the Pacific,” said a spokesperson for the Chinese navy in a press release.
This missile “fell precisely in the predefined maritime zone”, he stressed, without providing more details on the exact location. This test takes place on the day when the Chinese and Russian navies begin their annual naval exercises off the coast of Qingdao, a major military port and seaside resort in eastern China. There is nothing at this stage to link the two events.
Neighboring countries notified
“This test firing is part of China’s routine annual military exercises,” the Chinese navy said in its statement. “Prior notification was sent to the countries concerned, in accordance with international law and international practices. This shot does not target any country or any particular target,” she stressed.
Papua New Guinea’s foreign minister and a New Zealand government source said earlier Monday that China was preparing to test-fire a nuclear-capable missile in the Pacific.
“Yes, China informed me of this. I personally received a call from the Chinese ambassador,” declared the head of Papua New Guinean diplomacy, Justin Tkatchenko.
A New Zealand government source also confirmed that China had warned them of an upcoming intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test. Japan said on Monday that it had strongly urged China to reconsider this test firing, of which Tokyo had been informed in advance.
