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New ZealandΒ branded a Chinese ballistic missile launch that terminated in the South Pacific β€œan unwelcome and concerning development” 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.

β€œWe remain in the process of gathering further information” a spokesperson for Foreign Minister Winston Peters told AFP, saying β€œNew Zealand views this as an unwelcome and concerning development.”

β€œPacific leaders have clearly articulated their expectation that we have a peaceful, stable, prosperous, and secure region,” the spokesperson said.

β€œAs part of the region, New Zealand strongly supports that expectation.”

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.

π•€π•Ÿπ•€π•šπ••π•–π•£ ℙ𝕒𝕑𝕖𝕣

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