A 41-nation coalition has called on nuclear-armed states to provide advance notice of long-range ballistic missile tests, warning that unannounced launches could threaten regional peace and global security.
In a joint statement delivered at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva on Wednesday, the countries urged states to follow transparency measures under the Hague Code of Conduct Against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCOC).
The coalition said nuclear-capable missile tests conducted without sufficient warning and information can increase the risk of miscalculation, particularly for countries located near launch areas.
Coalition calls for 24-hour notice
The signatories urged countries testing intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles and space launch vehicles to issue notifications at least 24 hours before launches.
They said advance notices should identify the missile class, launch window, launch area and planned trajectory, along with clear warnings for ships and aircraft operating nearby.
The appeal follows recent missile tests in the Pacific, including China's reported launch of a strategic missile from a nuclear submarine after notifying several Pacific nations.
The coalition said standardised notification procedures would not restrict countries' military development or operational requirements but would instead improve confidence and reduce the possibility of dangerous misunderstandings.
China rejects criticism
China's Ambassador for Disarmament Affairs Li Chijiang rejected the statement, saying Beijing's legitimate defence modernisation should not be questioned.
He also defended China's advance notification of missile launches, arguing that its efforts should not be subjected to geopolitical calculations.
The 41 signatories include the United States, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada and Ukraine, among others.
