United States and around 40 allied countries, mainly from Europe and including Greece, have jointly criticised ballistic missile tests conducted without prior notification, stopping short of explicitly naming China, which carried out such a test in early July.
According to a joint statement published by the US State Department, ballistic missile tests capable of carrying nuclear warheads are dangerous when conducted without sufficient advance warning and details.
"Conducting nuclear-capable ballistic missile tests without sufficient advance notice and detail is dangerous and disrupts the peace and security of relevant nations in proximity to these tests."
The countries referred to recent missile tests in the Pacific Ocean that did not follow established notification practices, in what appeared to be a clear reference, though without direct attribution, to a Chinese military test conducted last month.
Beijing announced at the time that it had carried out a test of a strategic missile launched from a submarine and fitted with a training warhead.
The missile landed in the Pacific Ocean.
Call for advance notice
The joint statement urges "all countries, particularly those possessing nuclear weapons", to provide notice at least 24 hours in advance when conducting such tests.
The signatories argued that greater transparency would help reduce risks and strengthen international security by preventing misunderstandings and unintended escalation.
