US expresses concern over China submarine missile test
The United States expressed concern over China's test of a submarine-launched missile in the Pacific, citing regional security implications.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
The United States has expressed serious concern over China's test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile in the Pacific Ocean, describing Beijing's nuclear buildup as rapid and opaque. The test, which took place on Monday, involved an unarmed missile fired from a Chinese submarine into the Pacific. In a statement, US State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said that at a time when the United States is working harder than ever to prevent nuclear proliferation, China is doing the opposite. The US statement added to concerns already voiced by other regional actors, including Japan, Australia and New Zealand. China's Ministry of Defense defended the launch, calling it part of routine annual training and stating that it complied with international law and practice. The incident underscores growing tensions over China's expanding nuclear arsenal and its lack of transparency regarding military activities.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | BBC NEWS |
|---|---|
| China conducted a test launch of an unarmed submarine-based missile into the Pacific Ocean on Monday. | |
| Japan, Australia and New Zealand expressed concerns about the missile launch. | |
| The US State Department expressed concern about China's nuclear buildup. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
BBC News focused on the US reaction to China's missile test, highlighting the State Department's criticism of China's nuclear buildup as 'rapid and opaque'. It also noted that other regional countries like Japan, Australia and New Zealand have expressed concerns. The report included China's defence that the test was routine and lawful. The channel then pivoted to a separate story about Ukraine, indicating the missile test was not the only major news item.
- “The U.S. says China's rapid and opaque nuclear weapons buildup is of great concern.”
- “at a time when the United States is working harder than ever to prevent nuclear proliferation, China is doing the opposite.”
- “China's Ministry of Defense defended the move, saying it was part of routine annual training and complied with international law and practice.”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.