China defends Pacific missile launch as 'routine military training'

Routine Missile Launch

China defended its latest missile launch over the Pacific on Tuesday, calling it a routine military exercise carried out in line with international law after criticism from the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific nations.

“This test launch was a routine military training activity conducted by the Chinese armed forces and was not directed at any specific country or target,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular briefing in Beijing.

“We provided advance notification to the Solomon Islands and other nations in the South Pacific region, as well as to other relevant countries.”

Mao said China remained committed to peaceful development and what Beijing describes as a self-defensive nuclear strategy.

“China consistently maintains its nuclear forces at the minimum level required for national security. There is no need for relevant countries to over-interpret this,” she said.

Regional Concerns Rise

The comments followed Monday’s missile test, which drew sharp criticism from regional governments, who described the launch as destabilising and raised concerns over growing military activity in the Pacific.

The missile reportedly travelled thousands of kilometres before landing in the Pacific. Beijing has described the launch as a routine and controlled exercise.

At the same briefing, Mao rejected Japan’s protest over a Chinese marine research vessel near the disputed Diaoyu Islands, which Japan calls the Senkaku Islands. She said the operations were “legitimate, lawful and beyond reproach” because they took place within what China considers its sovereign waters.

Venezuela Aid Support

Mao also called on the United States to lift unilateral sanctions on Venezuela, saying they have no basis in international law and were hampering the country’s post-earthquake recovery.

China said it had expanded humanitarian assistance after twin earthquakes struck Venezuela, announcing an additional 100 million yuan in emergency aid.

The first shipment of Chinese relief supplies, including generators, water purification units, tents and blankets, has already arrived, while Beijing has also provided satellite imagery and pledged further support for reconstruction.

Article by Viory