US voices concern after China tests submarine-launched nuclear-capable missile

Washington,UPDATED: Jul 7, 2026 06:52 IST

The United States has expressed concern over China's test launch of a nuclear-capable missile and said it remains firm in its defence commitments to allies and partners. Washington also urged Beijing to join meaningful arms control talks and to regularly notify intercontinental-range ballistic missile and space launches in line with commitments made by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.

The remarks came after China said it had successfully test-fired a long-range strategic missile with a dummy warhead from one of its nuclear-powered submarines in the Pacific Ocean on Monday. Beijing described the launch as part of the annual training of the PLA Navy and said relevant countries had been informed in advance.

In a statement, US Department of State spokesperson Tommy Pigott said, "The United States monitored China's test launch from a submarine of an unarmed intercontinental-range ballistic missile, which landed in the southern Pacific Ocean." He said that at a time when the United States is working harder than ever to prevent nuclear proliferation, China is doing the opposite.

Pigott added, "Beijing's rapid and opaque nuclear weapons buildup is of great concern to the region and the world." He also said, "We continue to urge China to engage in meaningful arms control discussions and commit to a regularised notification arrangement for all intercontinental-range ballistic missile and space launches consistent with commitments made by all other P5 members." He added, "The United States remains steadfast in our defense commitments to our allies and partners."

China said the launch was a routine arrangement under the PLA Navy's annual training plan. The PLA Navy said the test complied with international law and international practice and was not directed at any specific country or target, though it did not identify the missile or give its range. Overall, the exchange highlighted US concern over the launch and China's insistence that the test was routine and notified in advance.

With PTI Inputs

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