China tests submarine-launched ballistic missile in Pacific, drawing sharp protests from Australia, Japan and New Zealand

The launch

On July 6 at 12:01 local time, a Chinese nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine launched a strategic missile carrying a dummy warhead into international waters of the Pacific Ocean. The missile landed precisely within the designated area, the PLA Navy said in a statement on WeChat. Spokesperson Wang Xuemeng described the test as part of China's routine annual military training and said relevant countries had been notified in advance in line with international law and practice.

This test launch is part of China's routine annual military training, and relevant countries were notified in advance, in accordance with international law and practice.

The submarine is believed to be a Type 094, capable of carrying JL-2 or the more advanced JL-3 missiles, which can reach the continental United States from Chinese coastal waters. The test was the first known submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) test by China since 1982, according to one report, and the second publicly announced Pacific missile test in under two years, following an ICBM launch in September 2024.

Regional reactions

Australia, Japan, and New Zealand responded with sharp criticism. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Canberra had made clear to China that the test was "destabilizing." New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters called the Pacific "an ocean of peace" and expressed deep concern over nuclear-capable weapons tests in the South Pacific. Japan, which had been notified in advance, said it had "strongly requested" China to reconsider the launch to avoid any threat to Japanese airspace, and expressed serious concern over the intensification of Chinese military activity.

Australia has made clear to China that we consider this a destabilizing act for the region.

The Pacific is an ocean of peace and we are deeply concerned about the tests carried out by China with nuclear-capable weapons in the South Pacific.

Russia's backing

In contrast, Russia defended the test. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said China has a sovereign right to test its missiles and that the launch threatened no country. He underscored the close alliance between Moscow and Beijing.

We believe it is a sovereign right of China to test its missiles and engage in military construction. China does not threaten any country in the region, nor anyone in the world. China is our great ally and partner.

Timing and strategic context

The launch coincided with the start of annual joint Russian-Chinese naval exercises off the coast of Qingdao, a major military port in eastern China. It also came shortly after Australia and Fiji signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance defense agreement, with the Chinese embassy in Canberra notifying the Australian government of the test within 24 hours. Some analysts cited by The Australian interpreted the timing as a possible response to Australia's deepening strategic cooperation in the Pacific, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was on a diplomatic mission in the region. New Zealand was also informed in advance.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning urged against reading too much into the test, saying it was not directed at any country and calling for restraint in interpretation.

We hope the countries concerned do not give an exaggerated interpretation.

Taiwanese security officials told Reuters they were monitoring an "upward trend" in Chinese naval movements during the peak exercise period.