‘Serious concern’: Japan, New Zealand react to China’s intercontinental ballistic missile test-fire – Times of India

Representative Image (Picture Credit: ANI) New Zealand and Japan on Wednesday expressed concerns after China successfully test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean.‘Unwelcome and concerning’, says New ZealandReacting to the test, New Zealand’s government described the missile test as an “unwelcome and concerning development.”A spokesperson for New Zealand’s foreign minister, Winston Peters, said, “Pacific leaders have clearly articulated their expectation for a peaceful, stable, prosperous, and secure region.”Wellington pledged to talk with regional allies as fears grow over escalating militarisation in the region.China’s rapid military build-up a ‘serious concern’, says JapanJapan has also voiced its discontent with China. Government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed that China did not provide any notice before the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch.”China has been continuing to increase its defence budget at high levels, and widely and rapidly strengthening its nuclear and missile capability including ICBM,” and increasing its military presence around Japan, Hayashi told reporters.”This Chinese military trend, with lack of its transparency, is a serious concern for Japan and the international community”, he added.Philippines and Taiwan level up allegations against ChinaMeanwhile, the Philippines accused a Chinese helicopter of overshadowing its fisheries bureau aircraft during a patrol near the disputed Scarborough Shoal. Further increasing tensions over territorial claims in the South China Sea.Taiwan is on high alert after its defence ministry reported recent “intensive” missile drills by China. It also detected 23 Chinese military aircraft on long-range missions near Taiwan.Chinese missile test is Beijing’s sovereign right, says RussiaOn the other hand, the Kremlin said that information was exchanged between the two countries. Russia said that China’s test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile is Beijing’s sovereign right.China’s defence ministry confirmed on Wednesday that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has successfully test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean, raising concerns among various Pacific countries.It said that the ICBM test was not aimed at any particular country, and was in line with international law, but the regional reactions suggest otherwise.The lack of communication from Beijing has raised diplomatic concerns, especially given the missile’s nuclear capabilities and range of over 5,000 kilometers.