China on Wednesday said that it successfully test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean, increasing concerns over security in the region.

The missile, carrying a dummy warhead, was launched by the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force at 8:44 a.m. Beijing time (0044 GMT) on Wednesday, China's Defense Ministry said in a statement.

The ICBM, according to the ministry, "fell into expected sea areas." It was a "routine arrangement in our annual training plan" and not directed at any country or target, the Defense Ministry added.

The launch "effectively tested the performance of weapons and equipment and the training level of the troops, and achieved the expected goal," according to a report by state news agency Xinhua.

China claims neighbors knew about the launch

China "informed the countries concerned in advance," according to a Xinhua report, which did not clarify the path of the missile or where in the "high seas of the Pacific Ocean" it fell.

The Pentagon said the United States received "some advanced notification of this ICBM test," describing this as "a step in the right direction" that helps prevent "misperception or miscalculation."

Australia said it was seeking "an explanation" of the launch and that it was "concerned by any action that is destabilizing and raises the risk of miscalculation in the region."

New Zealand described the launch as "an unwelcome and concerning development." A spokesperson for Foreign Minister Winston Peters said that New Zealand would consult with Pacific allies further if details become clear.

A Japanese Coast Guard official said it was notified by China on Monday for falling "space debris." Japan on Wednesday put out a warning for vessels that the debris could impact three zones in the South China Sea and the Pacific.

However, Japan's Yoshimasa Hayashi, a top government spokesperson, said China did not inform Japan that it would launch an intercontinental ballistic missile.

"There was no notice from the Chinese side in advance" about the ICBM launch, he said.

Ankit Panda, an analyst at US-based think tank the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told AFP news agency that the launch was "extremely unusual" and "likely speaks to China's ongoing nuclear modernization manifesting in new requirements for testing."

mfi/wmr (AFP, AP, Reuters)