Beijing: China on Thursday called the US criticism of its latest nuclear-capable ballistic missile test as a "typical" example of Washington's "double standards and hegemonism."

According to Anadolu Agency, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed reporters in Beijing, highlighting the US's history with nuclear weapons. "The US is the only country to have actually used nuclear weapons. It sits on the world's largest and most advanced nuclear arsenal, and launches strategic missiles from nuclear-powered submarines annually. Yet it points fingers at China's routine missile launch-a typical example of double standards and hegemonism," Mao Ning stated.

China announced on Monday that it had successfully conducted the test launch of a strategic missile from a nuclear submarine. This announcement came just hours after Beijing notified several Pacific nations of the planned test. The launch marks China's second strategic missile test since it fired an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean in September 2024, which was the first such test since 1980.

The US responded critically to the test, expressing concerns over what it described as Beijing's "rapid and opaque" nuclear weapons buildup. Washington stated that this development is of "great" concern to both the region and the world. The US urged China to engage in meaningful arms control discussions and to commit to a regularized notification arrangement for all intercontinental-range ballistic missile and space launches, consistent with commitments made by all other P5 members.

Mao Ning reiterated that the test launch was a "routine" arrangement in China's annual military training program. She emphasized that it was designed to verify the reliability, safety, and effectiveness of relevant weapon systems. "The US needs to view the development of China's national defense and military in an objective and rational light and earnestly uphold global strategic stability," she added, insisting that the launch complies with international law and customary international practice, and is not directed at any specific country or target.