Lilian Nyiva
China has announced that it successfully carried out a test launch of a strategic missile in the Pacific Ocean, describing the exercise as part of its routine annual military training.
According to Chinese state media, the missile was launched on Monday from a strategic nuclear submarine operated by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy. Beijing said the missile carried a dummy, non-live warhead and landed accurately in a designated area of the Pacific Ocean. Chinese authorities added that relevant countries had been notified in advance and maintained that the exercise complied with international law and was not directed at any specific country.
Regional Reactions
The missile test prompted concern from several countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Australia described the launch as "destabilising" to regional peace and security, while New Zealand said the test was unwelcome despite receiving prior notification only hours before it took place. Japan also expressed serious concern and urged China to reconsider conducting such tests.
Rare Strategic Missile Test
The launch is China's second strategic missile test over the Pacific since September 2024, when it carried out its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test in the region in more than four decades. Defence analysts say the latest exercise highlights China's continued efforts to strengthen and demonstrate its strategic military capabilities.
Growing Regional Security Concerns
The latest missile test comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific, where countries are closely monitoring China's expanding military activities. While Beijing insists the exercise was a routine military drill, regional governments have reiterated the importance of maintaining peace, stability and transparency in the Pacific.
