China launches submarine missile as Pacific allies strengthen ties
China submarine missile test raises Pacific tensions and highlights nuclear expansion See why allies called the launch destabilizing and what it means for regional security
China said it launched a ballistic missile from a nuclearpowered submarine into the Pacific Ocean during a routine training exercise, a rare public acknowledgment of its seabased nuclear forces.
The test came as Australia, Japan and New Zealand deepen defense cooperation with other IndoPacific partners ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara, where leaders are expected to discuss the war in Ukraine, defense spending and wider security concerns involving China.
According to Chinese officials, the missile carried a dummy warhead and landed in a designated area of the Pacific in line with international law. Australia and Japan said the launch was destabilizing, while New Zealand said it fell within the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone and criticized the timing and message of the test.
The report also noted that the launch reflects broader concern in Washington and allied capitals about China’s expanding nuclear triad, including submarines, landbased missiles and strategic bombers.