Taiwan Condemns China’s Pacific SLBM Test Launch, Calls It a Threat to International Community

"Escalating Tensions in the Indo-Pacific Through Military Posturing" Criticized

China Launches Strategic SLBM in Pacific High Seas... "Possible JL-3"

Taiwan has strongly condemned China's test launch of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) in the Pacific high seas, describing it as an act that threatens the international community and heightens tensions in the region.

China's SLBM Revealed at Victory Day Military Parade. Photo by Yonhap News

On July 6, Kuo Ya-hui, spokesperson for the Office of the President of Taiwan, stated, "Following its recent increase in military pressure near the first island chain, China is now threatening the international community through its test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile. We sternly denounce these unilateral actions."

She further urged China to return to a rules-based international order and to cease its unilateral behavior, emphasizing that China's expansion of military activities and so-called law enforcement operations in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait are fueling insecurity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Kuo also highlighted that the leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) recently reiterated in a joint statement their opposition to any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait through force or coercion.

Spokesperson Kuo added, "Taiwan will continue to strengthen its defense capabilities and expand cooperation with like-minded democracies to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region."

The Mainland Affairs Council, Taiwan's government agency responsible for China policy, also issued a statement criticizing the Chinese military for flexing its military muscle, escalating tensions in neighboring areas, and undermining peace and stability in the region. The Council affirmed that Taiwan would firmly defend its national sovereignty and security and called on the international community to jointly respond to China's military expansion and provocations.

Earlier that day, China announced that at 12:01 p.m. local time, it had successfully launched a submarine-launched strategic missile with a dummy warhead into the Pacific high seas as part of a training exercise.

While China did not disclose the type of missile launched, military experts have suggested that it could be the third-generation JL-3 SLBM, which is believed to be capable of reaching most regions, including the U.S. mainland.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.