DFA expresses concern over China's submarine-launched ballistic missile test

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday joined other agencies in expressing concern over China's launch of an unarmed ballistic missile from a submarine into the Pacific Ocean as part of a military exercise, saying such actions could undermine regional stability.

In a statement, the DFA said relevant Philippine authorities had received prior notification of the missile launch on July 5.

"The Philippines notes with concern China's launch of an unarmed ballistic missile from a submarine into the Pacific Ocean as part of its military exercise. Relevant Philippine authorities received prior notification of the launch on 5 July," the department said.

The DFA stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

"We underscore the importance of maintaining a calm, secure, and stable environment in the Indo-Pacific region. Actions that erode confidence are unhelpful in advancing dialogue, diplomacy, and cooperation," it said.

The department also called on all concerned parties to exercise restraint and adhere to international norms.

"We call on relevant parties to exercise restraint, promote transparency, conduct their activities in accordance with international norms, and refrain from actions that heighten miscommunication and misunderstanding," the DFA said.

GMA News Online has reached out to the Chinese Embassy in Manila and will update this story once a response is issued.

China's military test-fired a ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine into the Pacific on Monday, according to state media, drawing criticism and expressions of concern from Japan, Australia, and New Zealand over Beijing's expanding military reach.

According to the official Xinhua News Agency, a People's Liberation Army Navy nuclear submarine launched the missile, carrying a dummy warhead, toward international waters in the Pacific at 12:01 p.m. (0401 GMT).

The missile landed in "designated waters," Xinhua said, without disclosing the exact location.

The state news agency described the launch as a "routine arrangement" of China's annual military training and said it was not directed at any specific country or target.

On Tuesday, the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also expressed concern over China's missile test, with the DND describing it as a "reckless display of military power."

Later in the day, the United States voiced support for the Philippines after Manila raised concerns over the missile launch, saying Beijing's actions undermine regional stability.—MCG, GMA News