US criticizes China's submarine-launched ballistic missile test, urges arms control talks

The Trump administration publicly criticized China on Monday after a Chinese nuclear submarine test-fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) toward the Pacific Ocean, urging Beijing to engage in arms control talks.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott issued a statement titled "China Launches Nuclear-Capable Ballistic Missile into the Pacific," saying the United States had observed China test-fire an unarmed intercontinental-range ballistic missile from a submarine, with the projectile landing in the South Pacific.

"Even as the United States works harder than ever to prevent nuclear proliferation, China is moving in the opposite direction," Pigott said. "China's rapid and opaque nuclear weapons buildup is a significant concern for the region and the world."

He then urged China to "engage in meaningful arms control discussions commensurate with the commitments undertaken by the other five permanent members of the UN Security Council."

Pigott added that "the United States will firmly uphold its defense commitments to its allies and partners."

China announced Monday that it had successfully launched a single "submarine-launched strategic missile" carrying a simulated training warhead into open waters of the Pacific Ocean.

The Chinese navy described the test as part of its regular annual military training schedule and said relevant countries had been notified in advance. It also said the launch was not directed at any specific country or target.

Neighboring countries pushed back nonetheless. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, the government's spokesperson, said at a regular briefing Monday that there was no confirmation the missile had passed over Japanese territory or its exclusive economic zone, nor any damage to Japanese aircraft or vessels. Still, he said "China's military moves of this kind, due to a lack of transparency, are becoming a serious concern for Japan and the international community."

Taiwan strongly condemned the test, calling it an act that threatens the international community and heightens regional tensions.

Presidential Office spokesperson Kuo Ya-hui said Monday that China "has been escalating military pressure in the area of the island chains in rapid succession and is now threatening the international community with an intercontinental ballistic missile test," adding that Taiwan "strongly condemns this series of unilateral actions."