Washington/Beijing: The United States has expressed serious concern over China’s expanding nuclear capabilities following Beijing’s test launch of a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine into the Pacific Ocean.
Reacting to the missile launch, the US State Department said China’s “rapid and opaque” expansion of its nuclear arsenal poses a matter of concern for regional and global security. Washington accused Beijing of moving in the opposite direction at a time when efforts are being made to curb nuclear proliferation.
The missile, carrying a dummy warhead, was launched into international waters in the Pacific as part of what China described as a routine military exercise. However, the launch has drawn criticism from several countries, including Japan, Australia and New Zealand, with analysts saying it demonstrated China’s growing ability to project long-range military power.
The United States has once again urged China to engage in arms control discussions and adopt greater transparency regarding its strategic weapons programme. The latest development comes amid growing geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region and renewed international debate over nuclear security.