China on Thursday called the US criticism of its latest nuclear-capable ballistic missile test a 'typical' example of Washington's 'double standards and hegemonism.' Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks during a regular press briefing in Beijing.
China's Response to US Criticism
'The US is the only country to have actually used nuclear weapons. It sits on the world’s largest and most advanced nuclear arsenal and launches strategic missiles from nuclear-powered submarines annually. Yet it points fingers at China’s routine missile launch—a typical example of double standards and hegemonism,' Mao said.
Details of the Missile Test
China announced on Monday that it had successfully conducted the test launch of a strategic missile from a nuclear submarine. The launch occurred hours after Beijing notified several Pacific nations of the planned test. This marks China's second strategic missile test since it fired an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean in September 2024, which was the first such test since 1980.
US Concerns and Demands
The United States criticized the test, stating that Beijing’s 'rapid and opaque' nuclear weapons buildup is of 'great' concern to the region and the world. Washington urged China to engage in meaningful arms control discussions and commit to a regularized notification arrangement for all intercontinental-range ballistic missile and space launches, consistent with commitments made by all other P5 members.
China's Defense of the Launch
Mao reiterated that the test launch was a 'routine' arrangement in China’s annual military training program, designed to verify the reliability, safety, and effectiveness of relevant weapon systems. 'The US needs to view the development of China’s national defence and military in an objective and rational light and earnestly uphold global strategic stability,' she added. Mao insisted that the launch complies with international law and customary international practice and is not directed at any specific country or target.
