41 Nations Demand 24-Hour Missile Launch Warning After China Test
The Story
The United States and 40 other countries have called for at least 24 hours' notice before long-range ballistic missile launches. This demand follows a Chinese missile test in the Pacific last month that raised concerns over accidents and military miscalculation. A joint statement released by the U.S. State Department on Tuesday urged countries, particularly nuclear-weapon states, to provide advance warning for launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and space launch vehicles. The statement criticized recent missile testing activity in the Pacific area for failing to follow standard notification practices. The Chinese submarine-based launch, believed to be a Julang-2 or -3 ICBM carrying a dummy warhead, traveled roughly 4,500 miles over the Pacific. Japan and Australia stated Beijing provided no more than two hours' notice. The U.S. and allies condemned the launch as destabilizing. China has rejected the statement, with Ambassador for Disarmament Affairs Li Chijiang accusing Washington of political manipulation and applying double standards. Li stated China has conducted three ICBM tests while the U.S. has carried out over 300. The 41 countries also requested information on the general class of missile, planned launch window, launch area, and intended direction, and urged governments to issue warnings to aircraft and ships about expected impact or landing areas. The U.S. offers advance notice of launches in line with the Hague Code of Conduct Against Ballistic Missile Proliferation.
The Spread
What they agree on
- 41 countries have issued a joint statement calling for advance notification of missile launches.
- The statement demands at least 24 hours' notice for ballistic missile and space launches.
- The joint statement was released following a recent Chinese missile test.
- China has rejected the statement, accusing the U.S. of political manipulation and double standards.
Where they split
- Newsweek and The Mainichi (English) mention the specific missile type as Julang-2 or -3, while other articles refer to it generally as a strategic or ballistic missile.
- Newsweek and South China Morning Post detail China's ambassador's specific criticisms regarding the number of ICBM tests conducted by China versus the U.S., while other articles provide a more general summary of China's rejection.
- NHK World-Japan and Stars and Stripes focus on the number of countries involved (over 40 or 41), while Newsweek and South China Morning Post list specific allied nations that signed the statement.