China conducts rare submarine-launched ballistic missile test, angering Pacific neighbors

China has conducted a rare test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile in the Pacific Ocean, drawing criticism from New Zealand and Australia. Both nations stated the action threatened peace and stability in the region.

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launched a strategic missile carrying a dummy warhead toward relevant high seas of the Pacific Ocean, which landed precisely within the designated waters.

A spokesperson for the People's Liberation Army Navy, Senior Capt. Wang Xuemeng, confirmed the test involved a strategic missile with a dummy warhead launched from a Type 094 Jin-class nuclear submarine. The missile landed precisely within designated high seas of the Pacific. Wang described the launch as a routine part of China's annual military training, asserting it was conducted in accordance with international law and practice and targeted no specific country.

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This test launch was a routine part of China’s annual military training schedule.

However, New Zealand's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, called the development "unwelcome and concerning." He noted the missile was fired into the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone, a treaty China has signed protocols for. Australia's Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, deemed the test "destabilizing to the region," linking it to China's "rapid military build-up" which she said lacks transparency.

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The operation was in accordance with international law and practice, targeting no specific country or objective.

While Beijing did not specify the missile type, experts suggest it could be the JL-2 or JL-3. The JL-3 has a range capable of reaching the continental United States from waters near China. China rarely reports its missile tests, with the JL-3 reportedly tested only twice before this incident.

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China informed us of its plans to launch a long-range ballistic missile into the South Pacific.