The United States and 41 other countries issued a joint statement on Tuesday demanding 24 hours’ advance notice for ballistic missile launches, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and space launch vehicles. The call follows a Chinese missile test last month that drew international concern.
China’s recent test and response
On [date redacted for neutrality], China conducted a nuclear-capable missile test over the Pacific Ocean, with a flight path covering approximately 4,500 miles. The launch, believed to involve a Julang-2 or Julang-3 ICBM, carried a dummy warhead. While the test did not violate international law, 41 nations—including the U.S., Japan, Australia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau—criticized the lack of advance notice, which they stated was less than two hours.
Joint statement details
The statement, released by the U.S. State Department, emphasized that nuclear-capable ballistic missile tests without sufficient notice increase the risk of miscalculation and undermine global stability. It called on all nuclear-weapon states to provide minimum 24 hours’ notice, including details such as the missile class, launch window, area, and intended direction. Governments were also urged to issue warnings to aircraft and ships regarding expected impact or landing zones.
China’s rebuttal
China rejected the joint statement, with Ambassador for Disarmament Affairs Li Chijiang accusing the U.S. of “political manipulation” and “double standards.” He noted that China has conducted only three ICBM tests, compared to over 300 by the U.S., questioning the U.S.’s authority to criticize Beijing. Chinese state media reiterated that China conducts its ICBM tests “safely and responsibly.”
Broader implications
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over military transparency and nuclear deterrence. While the U.S. and allies frame the demand for notice as a safety and stability measure, China views it as an attempt to constrain its military modernization. The lack of consensus raises questions about future arms control negotiations and regional security frameworks in the Pacific.
The 41 signatory nations represent a diverse coalition, including European, Asian, Pacific, and Middle Eastern states, underscoring the global concern over missile testing protocols.