China has conducted a submarine-launched ballistic missile test, firing a nuclear-capable missile into the Pacific Ocean as part of a planned military exercise.
The missile, carrying a dummy warhead, was launched by an unspecified Chinese navy submarine on Monday and “accurately fell into the predetermined sea area,” state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
The announcement came shortly after officials in Australia and New Zealand confirmed they had been notified of an upcoming Chinese missile test in the South Pacific.
Monday’s launch marks the second time China has conducted a long-range missile test into Pacific waters since September 2024, when the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force fired an intercontinental ballistic missile into the same region.
Xinhua described the launch as a routine exercise, stating, “This routine missile test is part of China’s annual military training. Relevant countries were notified in advance.”
The report emphasized that the test “complies with international law and practice and is not directed at any specific country or target.”
Australia and New Zealand, which have previously expressed concern over Chinese military activities in the Pacific, acknowledged receiving advance notification of the test.
The test comes amid heightened tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, with China expanding its military presence and conducting increasingly sophisticated weapons tests.
Submarine-launched ballistic missiles are considered a critical component of China’s nuclear deterrent capability.
