Japan raises alarm over China's latest missile test in Pacific

Growing military activity by China in the region is a "serious cause for concern," said Japanese government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi, referring to the intercontinental ballistic missile test conducted by the Chinese army on Wednesday.

China has been continuing to increase its defence budget at high levels, and widely and rapidly strengthening its nuclear and missile capability including ICBM. This Chinese military trend, with lack of its transparency, is a serious concern for Japan and the international community, the spokesman said.

He added that Beijing did not warn Tokyo authorities about Wednesday's test. However, he noted that the missile did not fly over the Japanese archipelago, and the military will continue to monitor the situation.

The Chinese army reported through the Ministry of Defence that the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) equipped with a mock warhead was launched on Wednesday at 8:44 AM (1:44 AM ET). This was the first ICBM test conducted by China in 44 years that has been disclosed.

According to the state news agency Xinhua, China informed interested countries in advance, but the report did not specify the missile's trajectory or where it fell in the Pacific Ocean.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian refused to comment on the test during a press briefing in Beijing, repeatedly suggesting to reporters that they direct their questions to the Ministry of Defence. The Kyodo agency reported, citing sources familiar with the matter, that on Tuesday, the Chinese Ministry of Defence notified the United States, Australia, and New Zealand in advance about the missile test.

However, New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Winston Peters told AFP that the missile's launch towards the South Pacific was "an unwelcome and concerning development." He added that the Wellington authorities would consult with allies in the Pacific region as new information emerged.