BEIJING: China on Monday conducted a submarine-launched ballistic missile test in the Pacific Ocean, with the projectile landing in designated waters after being fired from a nuclear-powered submarine, according to state news agency Xinhua.
The missile was launched at 12:01 p.m. local time during what Chinese authorities described as a routine component of the country’s annual military training program. Xinhua said the exercise was not aimed at any specific country or target.
However, the launch prompted concern from several regional governments, with Australia, Japan and New Zealand expressing unease over the test and its potential impact on regional security.
Regional governments raise concerns
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed that Beijing had notified Canberra in advance about the planned missile launch. Nevertheless, she described the exercise as destabilising, saying it occurred amid China’s continued military expansion.
Wong stated that Australia expects greater transparency regarding China’s military intentions and activities throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Meanwhile, Japan said it had also received prior notification and urged Beijing to reconsider the launch. Japanese officials expressed concern over increased Chinese military activity and noted that authorities had also been informed about potential space debris that could fall within Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
New Zealand likewise confirmed receiving advance notice shortly before the launch. Foreign Minister Winston Peters described the test as unwelcome and said Pacific nations do not want the South Pacific used for missile capability demonstrations.
China defends military exercise
Chinese officials maintained that the missile test formed part of a scheduled military exercise conducted under the country’s annual defense training plan.
According to Xinhua, the launch complied with established procedures and was not directed against any nation.
Despite those assurances, the exercise has intensified regional debate over military activity in the Indo-Pacific, where governments continue monitoring strategic developments involving major powers.
Security analysts say the latest missile test underscores growing geopolitical competition in the region as neighboring countries call for greater transparency, confidence-building measures and continued dialogue to reduce tensions and preserve regional stability.
