BEIJING/SEOUL -- China voiced its strong objection and concerns over North Korea's latest missile test Wednesday, joining South Korea, the United States and Japan in denouncing the North's first weapons test in nearly 11 weeks.

"China expresses its grave concerns about and opposition to North Korea's missile launch activities," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in a press briefing.

Referring to the UN's ban on North Korea's ballistic missile activity, the spokesman said, "There are clear regulations on North Korean ballistic missile launches in United Nations Security Council resolutions."

He also said, "China wants North Korea to stop any action that escalates tension on the Korean Peninsula." He called on "other concerned countries" to act cautiously and maintain peace and security in the regional community. 

In the small hours of Wednesday, North Korea test-fired a new long-range missile that is apparently capable of reaching anywhere on the US mainland. The country then announced it has completed its "state nuclear force."

Australia also condemned the missile launch "in the strongest possible terms," calling it "illegal and dangerous."

"Today's missile launch emphasizes the urgency for all countries, especially the Permanent Five members of the Security Council, to fully implement UNSC sanctions as soon as possible in order to maximize pressure on Pyongyang and compel it to return to negotiations," Australia said in a statement.

In line with international sanctions, the Australian foreign minister on Wednesday announced another eleven individuals and nine entities will be listed under the country's autonomous sanctions for their link with the North Korean regime's weapons programs, the statement, said. (Yonhap)