Multiple countries "criticize" China's missile test; Foreign Ministry responds

On July 7, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning hosted a regular press conference.

A reporter from Agence France-Presse (AFP) asked that several governments had "criticized" China's missile test activities conducted the previous day, including South Pacific nations such as the Solomon Islands, and that New Zealand had also stated it did not wish to see missile tests conducted in the South Pacific waters around the country. What is China's response to this?

In response, Mao Ning stated that this test activity is a routine military training exercise of the Chinese military and is not directed at any specific country or target.

"We had previously notified the Solomon Islands and other South Pacific regions as well as relevant countries, which is in line with international law and international practice. I want to emphasize that China adheres to the path of peaceful development and a self-defense nuclear strategy, and always maintains its nuclear forces at the minimum level required for national security. There is no need for relevant countries to over-interpret this," Mao Ning said.