Taiwan joins Japan, Australia, New Zealand in condemning China test

Taipei, July 6 (CNA) Taiwan on Monday condemned China's latest submarine-launched ballistic missile test in the Pacific Ocean, calling it an attempt to intimidate the international community and further destabilize regional security.

China test-fired a long-range ballistic missile at 12:01 p.m. Monday from one of its nuclear-powered submarines in the South Pacific, according to a report by the state-run Xinhua News Agency.

The report described the launch as a "routine arrangement" that was part of China's annual military training and not directed at any specific target.

Despite receiving prior notification of the launch, Japan, New Zealand and Australia all expressed concern over the missile test, saying it undermined regional stability.

Asked to comment, Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) said the launch followed Beijing's recent escalation of military activities along the island chains and the implementation of legislation enabling what she described as "transnational repression," referring to China's new "ethnic unity" law.

"Now, it is further attempting to intimidate the international community by test-firing an intercontinental ballistic missile," Kuo said.

The Presidential Office "strongly condemns this series of unilateral actions," and it called on Beijing to exercise restraint, abide by the rules-based international order, and immediately cease its irresponsible unilateral actions, she said.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) issued a similar statement, saying that although the missile's trajectory did not pass through Taiwan's airspace, the launch nevertheless undermined regional peace and stability.

The ministry said Taiwan's armed forces are working closely with partner countries to monitor the situation and respond appropriately.