New ZealandΒ branded a Chinese ballistic missile launch that terminated in the South Pacific βan unwelcome and concerning developmentβ Wednesday, as news of the rare test jolted the usually peaceful region.
Beijing said it had test-launched an intercontinental ballistic missile, firing it into the Pacific Ocean in its first such exercise in decades.
βWe remain in the process of gathering further informationβ a spokesperson for Foreign Minister Winston Peters told AFP, saying βNew Zealand views this as an unwelcome and concerning development.β
βPacific leaders have clearly articulated their expectation that we have a peaceful, stable, prosperous, and secure region,β the spokesperson said.
βAs part of the region, New Zealand strongly supports that expectation.β
The United States and China have been vying for influence across the South Pacific β opening embassies, inking agreements and doling out cash to Pacific island projects.
