US and 40 Other Countries Call for 24-Hour Advance Notice of Ballistic Missile Launches
World
The United States, Canada, most European countries including Ukraine, and several states in Asia and Oceania have called for advance notification of launches involving intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles and space launch vehicles. In a joint statement endorsed by 41 governments, the countries called for such notifications to be issued at least 24 hours before a launch.
The participants said that ballistic missile tests involving systems capable of carrying nuclear warheads, when conducted without sufficient advance notice and detailed information, increase the risk of miscalculation and undermine international stability.
The statement proposes that notifications include the general class of missile or launch vehicle, the planned launch window, the launch area and the intended flight direction. It also calls for clear warnings to pilots and mariners, particularly in areas where missile impact is expected.
The initiative follows, among other developments, what the statement described as “recent missile tests in the Pacific region.” Japanese and South Korean media have linked the reference to China’s July 6 test launch of a strategic missile from a submarine. According to Xinhua, the missile was launched by a nuclear-powered submarine of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy and carried a dummy warhead. It landed in a designated area of the Pacific. Chinese authorities said relevant countries had been notified in advance and that the test complied with international law and was not directed at any specific country or target.
The authors of the joint statement, however, said the test did not conform to the standard notification practices used by most countries to reduce the risk of conflict.
The participating governments stressed that greater transparency should not restrict countries’ military development or operational requirements. They argued that advance notifications could reduce the risk of miscalculation and strengthen confidence.
China reiterated the following day that the test was part of its annual military training program, was not directed against any country and had been preceded by notifications to relevant states.
The statement proposes that notifications include the general class of missile or launch vehicle, the planned launch window, the launch area and the intended flight direction. It also calls for clear warnings to pilots and mariners, particularly in areas where missile impact is expected.
The initiative follows, among other developments, what the statement described as “recent missile tests in the Pacific region.” Japanese and South Korean media have linked the reference to China’s July 6 test launch of a strategic missile from a submarine. According to Xinhua, the missile was launched by a nuclear-powered submarine of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy and carried a dummy warhead. It landed in a designated area of the Pacific. Chinese authorities said relevant countries had been notified in advance and that the test complied with international law and was not directed at any specific country or target.
The authors of the joint statement, however, said the test did not conform to the standard notification practices used by most countries to reduce the risk of conflict.
The participating governments stressed that greater transparency should not restrict countries’ military development or operational requirements. They argued that advance notifications could reduce the risk of miscalculation and strengthen confidence.
China reiterated the following day that the test was part of its annual military training program, was not directed against any country and had been preceded by notifications to relevant states.
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