China test-fires long-range missile from nuclear submarine in South Pacific, alarming neighbors
China test-launched a ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine into the Pacific on Monday, a move that Australia, Japan, and New Zealand condemned as destabilizing. Beijing insisted the launch, reportedly the first of its kind from a nuclear sub, was a routine exercise and complied with international law.
Launch details
On Monday, July 6, at 12:01 p.m. local time, a Chinese People's Liberation Army submarine launched a long-range ballistic missile carrying a dummy warhead into the South Pacific. According to the state-run Xinhua news agency, the missile landed precisely in the designated area, in international waters. China's defense ministry described the test as a routine annual exercise, carried out in compliance with international law, and stressed it was not aimed at any country. The launch appears to be the first ever from a nuclear-powered submarine, according to the Frankfurter Allgemeine, citing the South China Morning Post. Beijing said it had notified relevant countries beforehand.
International criticism
Australia, Japan, and New Zealand reported being informed in advance but strongly condemned the test. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, speaking from Fiji, said Canberra had made "unambiguously clear" that it viewed the action as destabilizing for the region. She linked it to China's rapid military buildup and lack of transparency.
Japan expressed serious concern after being told about the ballistic missile test just 90 minutes beforehand, and about a no-go zone south of Shionomisaki the day before. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters called the test "an unwelcome and worrying development."Australia has made clear to China that we consider this destabilizing for the region.
We, like our neighbors in other Pacific states, have no interest in China using the South Pacific as a testing ground for its missile capabilities.
Recent pattern of tests
The launch follows another rare Chinese ICBM test in September 2024, which was the first in four decades and targeted an area near French Polynesia. At a military parade last September, China also showcased its JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile, which has intercontinental range. While China regularly conducts military exercises on land, at sea, and in the air, publicized ballistic missile tests remain infrequent. On the same day as this launch, China and Russia began a joint naval exercise near Qingdao, under the theme "jointly respond to maritime security threats."
- China notifies Japan's coast guard about a no-go zone for 'falling space debris' south of Shionomisaki.
- China's embassy in Beijing informs Japan's government about the impending ballistic missile test.
- Missile launched from nuclear submarine; dummy warhead lands in target area in international waters.
