China Tests Missile, US: Beijing's Nuclear Weapon Enhancement Worries the World

JAKARTA - The United States has asked China to engage in dialogue on arms control after conducting a test launch of a listed intercontinental ballistic missile.

"Beijing's rapid and non-transparent nuclear weapons buildup is of great concern to the region and the world," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Tommy Pigott, quoted by ANTARA from Spuntik, Tuesday, July 7.

Pigott said the US continues to urge China to conduct substantive arms control discussions. In addition, Beijing is also asked to commit to providing regular notifications regarding each launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile or launch of a space vehicle, in line with the commitments that have been implemented by all other P5 members.

According to Pigott, the United States remains committed to its defense commitments to allies and partners.

Earlier on the same day, China successfully conducted a test launch of a strategic missile with a dummy warhead from a submarine, the Chinese Defense Ministry said.

The missile test was a routine part of China's annual military exercises and was not aimed at any country or target, the ministry added.