42 countries demand 24-hour notice for missile launches after China's test

The United States, South Korea, Japan and 38 other nations have issued a joint call for mandatory advance notification of intercontinental ballistic missile launches, submarine-launched ballistic missiles and space launch vehicles. The initiative requires warnings to be issued at least 24 hours before liftoff, with a particular emphasis on nuclear-armed states.

The statement followed China's surprise submarine-launched missile test into the Pacific Ocean on July 6. While Beijing is not explicitly named in the document, the authors condemn testing of missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads without adequate prior warning. They argue such actions threaten countries near launch zones and undermine regional security.

Participants insist the notification should specify the missile class, launch window, launch area and flight direction. Aviation and maritime services also need information about expected impact zones to reduce risks to air and sea traffic.

The document urges all affected nations to join existing advance notification mechanisms. The authors emphasize that transparent data exchange does not restrict military programs but reduces the likelihood of miscalculation and builds trust between states.

One such mechanism is the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation, which includes 145 countries. The signatories called on all other states to join agreements on advance notification for ICBM, SLBM and launch vehicle tests.