zhōng guó中国qián tǐng潜艇shì shè试射dǎo dàn导弹hòu后，duō guó多国biǎo shì表示dān xīn担心
On Monday, the Chinese navy launched a ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean from a nuclear-powered submarine.
China said the launch was a normal military training exercise, that some countries had been notified in advance, and that it was not aimed at any country.
China also said that the move complied with international law.
However, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Taiwan all expressed concern or criticism.
New Zealand said China’s notification came too late, and that the missile landing in the South Pacific nuclear-weapon-free zone was unsettling.
Australia said the test launch could make the region less stable.
Japan also expressed serious concern because the information it first received was not clear.
Taiwan condemned China, saying it was trying to intimidate the international community.
Experts said the test launch was rare, and that other countries would closely watch China’s military capabilities.
Many people are worried that China’s nuclear forces are expanding rapidly, which could affect security in the Asia-Pacific region.