China’s navy successfully fired the missile, according to its own statements. Instead of a live warhead, a dummy was mounted, state news agency Xinhua reported. The People’s Liberation Army stressed that the test was part of annual military exercises and complied with international law. Affected states had been informed in advance.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said her country had made it unmistakably clear to China that it considers such actions destabilizing for the region. Japan’s government called on China to reconsider the test, expressing deep concern over the increased activities of the Chinese military. Japan’s coast guard was informed about possible space debris in its exclusive economic zone.
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters said China had notified the country just hours before the test. He stated that New Zealand has no interest in China using the South Pacific as a testing ground for missiles. China last tested an intercontinental ballistic missile in 2024.
Source: www.zeit.de
