China Fires Missile From Nuclear Submarine Into Pacific
Reporting based primarily on channelnewsasia.com.
China test-fired a missile from a nuclear submarine into the Pacific on July 6, prompting criticism from Japan, Australia and New Zealand over regional stability and military transparency. [1][2]
China Conducts Submarine Missile Test
A nuclear submarine of the People's Liberation Army Navy launched the missile carrying a dummy warhead at 12:01pm toward international waters in the Pacific. [1] The missile landed in designated waters, according to China's official Xinhua news agency. [1] Japan's Coast Guard had been notified on Sunday by Chinese authorities about falling space debris that could fall within Japan's exclusive economic zone. [1] Kyodo news agency reported on Monday, citing a Japanese government source, that the missile had landed outside Japan's EEZ. [1]
Beijing Describes Launch as Routine Training
Xinhua described the launch as a routine arrangement of China's annual military training. [1] The state media outlet said the launch was not directed against any specific country or target. [1] The characterization framed the event as part of regular exercises rather than a targeted action. [1]
Australia Condemns Test as Destabilising
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said China had notified the government of the planned test. [1] Wong described the launch as destabilising for the region. [1] She placed the test in the context of a rapid military buildup by China, which is lacking in the transparency and reassurance as to intent that the region expects. [1] Wong made the remarks at a news conference in the Fijian capital Suva. [1]
Japan Voices Concern and Confirms Missile Location
Japan's government said it received notification of the missile launch and urged China to reconsider. [1] Tokyo expressed grave concern over the Chinese military's increased activity. [1] The notification to Japan's Coast Guard occurred on Sunday regarding potential space debris within the exclusive economic zone. [1] A Japanese government source confirmed through Kyodo news agency that the missile landed outside Japan's EEZ. [1]
New Zealand Calls Launch Unwelcome Development
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the country was deeply concerned by the test. [1] New Zealand had been informed within hours of the launch. [1] Peters stated that New Zealand considers this an unwelcome and concerning development. [1] He added that Pacific countries have no interest in China using the South Pacific as a testing site for missile capability. [1]
Context of China's Recent Missile Activity
China last tested an intercontinental ballistic missile in 2024. [1] That earlier launch was described as a rare event that highlighted the country's increasing military capabilities. [1]
What to watch next is whether additional notifications precede any future launches, given the pattern of prior alerts to regional governments and the 2024 precedent for intercontinental ballistic missile tests.
