US Concerned Over China ICBM Test in Pacific

Thairath•International•18d ago

Reader Briefing

The United States has voiced serious concerns regarding China's recent test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that landed in the Pacific Ocean, citing a lack of transparency in Beijing's nuclear expansion.

•The US expressed deep concern over China's recent test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
•The test missile, equipped with a simulated warhead, landed in the Pacific Ocean.
•The US highlighted China's nuclear expansion lacks transparency and called for arms control talks.

Overview

•On July 7, 2026, U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Tommie Pikkött commented on the situation.
•U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Tommie Pikkött stated that the U.S. government is concerned about China's nuclear weapons development program.
•China tested an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a simulated warhead, which fell into the Pacific Ocean.
•This test follows a similar incident from two years prior where a Chinese ICBM landed near French Polynesia, marking the first over international waters in over 40 years.
•Analysts suggest the recent test indicates an increased capability for China to strike the U.S. mainland.
•The U.S. Department of State urged China to seriously engage in arms control negotiations and establish a formal early warning system for all ICBM and space launch activities.
•The missile was reportedly launched from a nuclear-powered submarine and landed near the Solomon Islands, a Pacific island nation that signed a security agreement with China in 2022.
•Senior researcher Lyle Morris noted the test signifies China's enhanced capability for marine-based nuclear strikes, increasing its nuclear deterrent's survivability and strike range.

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Key Quotes

Tommie Pikkött

"The US government is concerned about China's nuclear weapons development program."

รัฐบาลสหรัฐฯ มีความกังวลต่อโครงการพัฒนาอาวุธนิวเคลียร์ของจีน

Tommie Pikkött

"Beijing's nuclear capabilities enhancement lacks transparency."

การเสริมศักยภาพนิวเคลียร์ของปักกิ่งขาดความโปร่งใส

U.S. Department of State

"The US Department of State also urges China to seriously engage in arms control negotiations."

กระทรวงการต่างประเทศสหรัฐฯ ยังเรียกร้องให้จีนเข้าร่วมการเจรจาควบคุมอาวุธอย่างจริงจัง

Key Entities

Place

United States(สหรัฐฯ)ℹ️

The United States, expressing concern over China's missile test.

China(จีน)ℹ️

China, which conducted a test of an intercontinental ballistic missile.

Pacific Ocean(มหาสมุทรแปซิฟิก)ℹ️

The body of water where the Chinese ICBM test missile landed.

French Polynesia(เฟรนช์โพลินีเซีย)ℹ️

A region near where a similar Chinese ICBM test occurred two years prior.

Solomon Islands(หมู่เกาะโซโลมอน)ℹ️

A Pacific island nation where the Chinese ICBM reportedly landed, which has a security agreement with China.

Person

Tommie Pikkött(ทอมมี พิกอตต์)

Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State who voiced concerns.

President Donald Trump(ประธานาธิบดี โดนัลด์ ทรัมป์)ℹ️

The former U.S. President whose administration attempted to improve relations with China.

Lyle Morris(ไลล์ มอร์ริส)

Senior researcher at the Asia Society Policy Institute who commented on China's nuclear capabilities.

Organization

U.S. Department of State(กระทรวงการต่างประเทศสหรัฐฯ)ℹ️

The U.S. government body expressing concern and making demands regarding China's nuclear program.

Asia Society Policy Institute(สถาบันนโยบายเอเชียโซไซตี)ℹ️

An institution where senior researcher Lyle Morris works.

Law

Nuclear-powered submarine(เรือดำน้ำพลังงานนิวเคลียร์)ℹ️

The vessel from which the Chinese missile was reportedly launched.