Biden Expresses Concern Over China's Hypersonic Missile Launch

"Strong Response Needed" US Ambassador to China Also Takes a Hard Line

US President Joe Biden (Photo by Reuters)

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] U.S. President Joe Biden expressed concern over China's test launch of a hypersonic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. The U.S. nominee for ambassador to China also emphasized bipartisan unity to deter China's nuclear ambitions and called for a tough response.

According to major foreign media on the 20th (local time), President Biden responded "Yes" when asked by reporters before boarding Air Force One for a visit to Pennsylvania whether he was concerned about China's hypersonic missile test launch.

This remark by President Biden came just four days after reports emerged that China had test-launched a hypersonic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons in August.

Nick Burns, the U.S. nominee for ambassador to China, also expressed concern over reports of China's nuclear-capable hypersonic missile test and stressed the need for bipartisan cooperation against China's nuclear weapons buildup.

According to The Hill, a U.S. political media outlet, Burns stated at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing that "bipartisan unity is necessary to deter China's nuclear ambitions," emphasizing that "this is a matter of concern not only for the United States but also for its allies."

He added, "The Biden administration is right to responsibly manage this competitive situation, reduce the risk of accidental conflict, and seek effective communication channels with China that can help maintain peace."

He further stated, "The United States must conduct diplomacy with a firmer stance on all these issues."

Burns criticized China for raising the level of conflict through clear military provocations such as this hypersonic missile launch and incursions into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), saying it "clearly reflects China's attitude of having no commitment to nuclear deterrence, whether through nuclear arms reduction agreements or any other form."

Earlier, the White House also expressed concerns about China's hypersonic weapons through diplomatic channels.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, "We welcome robust competition, but we do not want that competition to escalate into conflict," adding, "The Biden administration has conveyed that message to China as well."

Earlier, major foreign media reported that China test-launched a hypersonic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons in August.

In response, Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, denied the reports, stating, "This test was a routine spacecraft test to verify reusable spacecraft technology."