Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAlisha Rahaman SarkarTuesday 07 July 2026 09:38 BSTChina’s missile test in Pacific nuclear-free zone causes alarmChina test-fired a long-range ballistic missile with a dummy warhead into the Pacific Ocean, prompting widespread condemnation from the US and Pacific nations.The US State Department voiced concern over China's "rapid and opaque nuclear weapons buildup" and called for Beijing to engage in meaningful arms control talks.Australia, New Zealand, and the Solomon Islands criticised the test as "provocative" and "destabilising to the region", also noting insufficient notice from China.The Philippines described the missile launch as a "reckless display of military power" and a "calculated act of taunting and provocation" against nations resisting China's territorial expansion.Russia defended China's actions as a "sovereign right", asserting that Beijing is "not threatening anyone in the world".In fullChina’s missile test in Pacific ‘great concern to region and world’, says USMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in