China's People's Liberation Army Navy test-fired a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine into the South Pacific on Monday. The missile, which carried a dummy warhead and was launched at 12:01 pm, landed in designated international waters. State media described the event as a routine arrangement of annual military training and noted that relevant countries had been notified in advance, stating the launch was not directed against any specific country.
This launch marks the first known full-range or near-full-range flight test of a Chinese long-range submarine-launched ballistic missile, and the first such test in the Pacific in two years. Experts suggest the missile was likely a JL-3. The test took place in a nuclear-free zone, governed by a longstanding treaty against testing nuclear missiles in the area, highlighting Beijing's rapid military modernization and efforts to project power in the region.
The move drew sharp criticism from the United States and its Pacific allies, who condemned the test as a provocation. The Australian government described the launch as destabilizing to the region, with officials expressing concern over China's rapid military buildup. The US State Department stated that the test demonstrates China's growing capacity to strike the US mainland.
The test occurred as Australia secured more defense deals with Pacific Island nations and signed a mutual defense treaty with Fiji intended to counter Chinese influence. While Beijing maintains the launch was a routine matter, regional governments remain wary of the increasing frequency of Pacific launches and the advancement of China's arsenal for delivering nuclear warheads.