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China claims test launch of missile in Pacific Ocean
🇱🇹 Lithuania /Conflict & Security

China claims test launch of missile in Pacific Ocean

From Delfi · () Lithuanian

Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • China's navy conducted a rare test launch of a strategic missile from a nuclear submarine in the Pacific Ocean.
  • The launch, part of annual military drills, was conducted on July 6 and aimed at an open sea area.
  • The move drew condemnation from regional countries like Japan and occurred as China and Russia began joint military exercises.

China's navy has conducted a rare test launch of a strategic missile from a nuclear submarine in the strategically vital South Pacific Ocean. This demonstration of military power occurred on July 6, with the missile landing precisely in a designated sea area.

According to a statement released on the Chinese Navy's WeChat account by spokesperson Wang Xuemeng, the launch involved a strategic missile with a training warhead. The Chinese Navy's strategic nuclear submarine of the People's Liberation Army Navy successfully launched the missile into the open sea. China stated that the launch is a routine part of its annual military exercises and that relevant parties were informed in advance.

On July 6 at 12:01, the strategic nuclear submarine of the People's Liberation Army Navy successfully launched a strategic missile with a training warhead into the open sea in the Pacific Ocean, and it landed in a precisely designated sea area.

— Wang XuemengSpokesperson for the Chinese Navy, describing the missile test launch.

This event has drawn immediate condemnation from regional nations, including Japan, which urged China to reconsider its missile testing. The launch took place on the same day China and Russia commenced their annual joint military exercises near Qingdao, a significant military port and coastal resort in eastern China. It remains unclear if the missile launch was part of these joint drills.

Beijing has accelerated its nuclear program and increased defense spending in recent years. The Pentagon reported in May 2023 that China possessed over 500 operational nuclear warheads, with projections indicating the number could exceed 1,000 by 2030. The South Pacific is a region where the United States, Australia, and New Zealand have long-standing security partnerships.

This missile test launch is a routine part of China's annual military exercises, and relevant parties were informed in advance.

— Wang XuemengChinese Navy spokesperson explaining the nature of the missile test.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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