40 Countries, Including Ukraine, Sign Declaration on Intercontinental Missile Tests

Taipei welcomed a joint declaration by 40 countries, including Ukraine, on the testing of intercontinental ballistic missiles over the Pacific Ocean.

Taiwan International Radio reported this.

The document, published on August 11, calls on countries to establish transparent and regular mechanisms for advance notification of missile launches to reduce the risk of miscalculations and unintended escalation.

The signatories called for at least 24 hours’ advance notice of tests and other launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched missiles and space launch vehicles.

The proposal also calls for notifying other countries of the missile class, launch area, flight direction and danger zones for sailors and pilots.

On August 11, China launched a space launch vehicle, but it exploded shortly after liftoff. Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung condemned Beijing’s actions.

The following day, August 12, North Korea launched a ballistic missile from its east coast toward the Sea of Japan.

Hwasong-11D missile launch, May 2024. Photo: KCNA

This was North Korea’s ninth ballistic missile launch since the beginning of 2026.

According to preliminary Japanese estimates, the missile traveled about 690 km and reached a maximum altitude of approximately 90 km. It fell into the Sea of Japan outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.

Lin Chia-lung said Beijing is attempting to unilaterally change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region through military pressure, economic coercion and “gray-zone” tactics.