Asia

After China's missile test, US and allies demand 24-hour advance warning

The US and more than 40 other nations called for at least 24 hours' notice before long-range ballistic missile launches, following a rare Chinese missile test in the Pacific. The joint statement said the step is meant to reduce the risk of accidents and military miscalculation.

Silhouette of a missile launch against a night sky
Silhouette of a missile launch against a night skyPhoto: Dirk Schuneman / Pexels
South China Morning Post1 h ago

The US State Department led more than 40 nations in a joint statement calling for at least 24 hours' notice before long-range ballistic missile launches. The call followed a rare Chinese missile test in the Pacific last month that drew concern from regional neighbors, including Japan and the Philippines.

The statement urged countries, particularly nuclear-weapon states, to provide advance warning before launching intercontinental ballistic missiles. Officials warned that such tests carry a risk of accidental conflict or military miscalculation without prior notice. Unannounced launches have previously forced airlines and shipping operators to reroute around affected areas on short notice.

China has not yet formally responded to the statement. Analysts said the call is likely to reignite debate between Beijing and Washington over military transparency. Chinese officials have previously described their missile tests as routine and said they pose no threat to other countries.

GeopoliticsAsiaSouth China Morning Post
This article is an AI-curated summary of the original story published by South China Morning Post. The illustration is a stock photo by Dirk Schuneman from Pexels and is not from the original story.

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