China’s military on Monday (06) conducted a missile test from a nuclear-powered submarine into the Pacific Ocean, prompting concern from Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
According to China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency, a nuclear submarine of the People’s Liberation Army Navy launched a missile carrying a dummy warhead towards international waters in the Pacific at 12.01 p.m. The missile reportedly landed in a designated area, although the exact location was not disclosed.
Chinese authorities described the launch as a routine part of the country’s annual military training programme and stated that it was not directed at any specific country or target.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed that China had provided prior notification of the missile test but described the launch as a destabilising development for the region.
She said Australia remains concerned about China’s rapid military expansion and called for greater transparency regarding Beijing’s strategic intentions.
Japan also confirmed that it had been informed of the missile launch and urged China to exercise restraint. The Japanese government expressed concern over China’s growing military activities, while Kyodo News reported that the missile landed outside Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters also voiced concern over the launch, stating that the country had been notified only hours before the test. He said New Zealand and other Pacific nations do not want the South Pacific to be used as a testing ground for missile capabilities.
The missile test follows China’s intercontinental ballistic missile launch in 2024, highlighting the country’s continuing efforts to modernise and expand its military capabilities.
Source: Reuters
