July 7th, Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning presided over a regular press conference.
AFP reporters asked that several governments have expressed “criticism” of China’s missile test activities yesterday. This includes countries in the South Pacific, such as the Solomon Islands. New Zealand also stated that it does not wish to see missile tests conducted in the South Pacific waters surrounding its country. What is China's response to this?
Regarding this, Mao Ning stated that this test launch activity is an routine military training exercise of the Chinese military, and it is not targeted at any specific country or objective.
"We have previously informed the Solomon Islands and other countries in the South Pacific region, including relevant nations, of our actions. We believe that we comply with international law and customary practice. It is crucial to emphasize that China pursues a path of peaceful development and maintains its nuclear deterrent within the lowest level necessary for national security. There is no need for these nations to overinterpret this." Mao Ning said.
The picture shows the moment the missile exits the water. Xinhua News Agency
According to Xinhua News Agency, at 12:01 on July 6, a strategic nuclear submarine of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army successfully launched a submerged strategic missile into the relevant open-sea areas of the Pacific Ocean. The missile carried a training simulation warhead and landed precisely in the designated area. This missile test is part of China’s annual military training routine. Information was previously communicated to relevant countries, and this action complies with international law and international practice. It does not target any specific country or objective.
On the 6th, at a regular press conference held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a AFP journalist asked: This test launch has been criticized by countries such as Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. The Japanese government said that it had strongly requested China to reconsider this test launch in advance. What is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs's comment on this?
Regarding this, Mao Ning stated that it was a routine military training exercise, not targeting any specific country or objective. Information had been provided to the relevant countries in advance, and the operation complied with international law and practices. The related launching activities were always carried out in a safe, proper, and professional manner. It is hoped that the relevant countries will not misinterpret the situation excessively.
