On Monday, a Chinese submarine launched a nuclear-capable ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean as part of a military exercise, according to China’s Xinhua news agency.
The exercise involved a missile carrying a dummy warhead, fired by an unnamed Chinese submarine at precisely 12:01 p.m. Beijing time. The missile successfully landed in the designated area of the sea.
Australia and New Zealand officials were informed beforehand about the planned missile test in the South Pacific region. This test followed a similar exercise in September 2024 when China’s Rocket Force tested an intercontinental ballistic missile in the same waters.
China’s Xinhua news agency stated, “This routine missile test is part of China’s annual military training. Relevant countries were notified in advance.” The report emphasized that the activity complies with international law and customary practices, clarifying that it does not target any specific nation or objective.
Further updates on this developing story will follow.