US expresses concern about China’s nuclear missile test
In a statement, US State Department spokesman Thomas Pigott condemned Beijing’s “rapid and opaque nuclear weapons buildup” after it monitored a submarine-launch.
Manuel Mogato | July 8, 2026
WASHINGTON — The United States has expressed “great concern” about China’s recent nuclear missile test in the Pacific region.
In a statement, US State Department spokesman Thomas Pigott condemned Beijing’s “rapid and opaque nuclear weapons buildup” after it monitored a submarine-launch of “an unarmed intercontinental-range ballistic missile.”
The missile landed in the southern Pacific Ocean.
“At a time when the United States is working harder than ever to prevent nuclear proliferation, China is doing the opposite,” Pigott said.
“Beijing’s rapid and opaque nuclear weapons buildup is of great concern to the region and the world.”
Pigott continued: “We continue to urge China to engage in meaningful arms control discussions and commit to a regularized notification arrangement for all intercontinental-range ballistic missile and space launchesconsistent with commitments made by all other P5 members.”
The US State department said the United States “remains steadfast in our defense commitments to our allies and partners”