US, allies warn against unannounced missile launches
WASHINGTON: The United States and some 40 other countries warned Tuesday of the dangers of ballistic missile testing without advance notice, in a joint statement issued a month after China launched a nuclear-capable missile in the Pacific.
On Tuesday, the United States and approximately 40 allied nations issued a joint statement cautioning against unannounced ballistic missile launches. This warning came a month after China conducted a test of a nuclear-capable missile in the Pacific, prompting concerns about the potential risks and disruptions to regional peace and security.
The statement, released by countries from Europe and the Indo-Pacific, emphasized that testing such missiles without adequate notice and detailed information increases the likelihood of miscalculations, undermines global stability, and is inconsistent with the obligations of possessing long-range missile capabilities. The joint statement urged all nations to provide a minimum of 24 hours' notice of missile tests, specifying the type of missile, the planned launch window, the target area, and its intended trajectory.
Additionally, the statement advised countries to issue clear notifications for airmen and mariners, adhering to international standards, to mitigate risks, especially in areas where impact or landing might occur. China's recent unilateral decision to provide minimal notice before launching an intercontinental ballistic missile highlights the potential for military provocations in a region where Beijing seeks to extend its influence.
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