China's rearmament

China has test-fired a ballistic robot in the Pacific Ocean

China has test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile in the Pacific Ocean, AP reports. It is believed to be the first time since 1980 that China has carried out such a test in international waters, writes the BBC.

AP writes that the test firing increases anxiety in an already tense situation in the region.

According to the Chinese Ministry of Defense, the robot was armed with a "fake" warhead and fell into a predetermined area in the sea.

The test shooting meets criticism from several quarters.

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Sharp criticism of China's test: "Worrying development"

China's test firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile in international waters is drawing criticism from other countries in the region.

New Zealand calls it all an "unwelcome and worrying development".

- The leaders of the Pacific region have clearly expressed their expectation of a peaceful, stable, prosperous and secure region, says New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters to AFP and continues:

- As part of the region, New Zealand stands behind that expectation.

Japan's government says it was not forewarned that China would carry out the test and calls China's rapid military buildup a "serious concern."

It is believed to be the first time in 44 years that China has test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile outside its borders.

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Analyst: Extremely unusual – want to show they can

It is "extremely unusual" for China to test-fire intercontinental ballistic missiles. That's what Ankit Panda, a researcher at the Carnegie think tank, told AFP.

- And probably [it is] the first time in several decades that we see a test of this kind.

According to Panda, the test is likely a result of China's nuclear modernization, which requires testing. Robot and disarmament expert Jeffrey Lewis is also on board.

- There is a renewed focus on making sure that these systems work and to show others that they work, he tells AP.