China says it test-fired strategic missile into Pacific Ocean

China announced Monday that one of its submarines test-fired a "strategic" missile carrying a dummy warhead into the Pacific Ocean, a move that immediately drew condemnation from regional powers. The rare display of military capability coincided with Australia and Fiji signing a significant defense treaty, which analysts view as an effort by Canberra to counter Beijing's growing influence in the South Pacific.

New Zealand described the missile as a "nuclear-capable long-range ballistic missile," though China's defense and foreign ministries did not confirm if it was an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The test followed a similar launch by China's Rocket Force into the sea near French Polynesia over two years ago.

A Chinese navy statement said a nuclear submarine launched the missile at 12:01 pm, accurately hitting its designated target. Naval analyst Alex Luck suggested the missile could be the advanced JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile or its variant, the JL-2.

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The Pacific is an Ocean of Peace and we are deeply concerned by China’s testing of nuclear-capable weapons into the South Pacific.

Navy spokesperson Wang Xuemeng called the test a "routine arrangement of China's annual military training" and stated that "relevant countries were informed in advance." However, New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed deep concern, calling the Pacific an "Ocean of Peace" and stating the launch was "not consistent with regional stability." Australia echoed these sentiments, calling the launch "destabilizing," while Japan also voiced "serious concerns."

Responding to the international reactions, China's foreign affairs ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said the launch was "not directed at any specific country or target" and urged countries not to "overinterpret" the exercise. Beijing has increased its nuclear development and defense spending in recent years, with the Pentagon estimating it held over 500 operational nuclear warheads as of May 2023.

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Related launch operations were conducted safely, in a standardised manner and professionally. It is hoped that relevant countries will not overinterpret this.