China Conducts Long-Range Ballistic Missile Test From Nuclear Submarine in Pacific

The Chinese military announced a test launch of a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear submarine on Monday at 12:01 p.m. local time. The missile, carrying a dummy warhead, was fired toward a designated area in the Pacific Ocean, according to Captain Wang Shuiming, spokesperson for the Chinese Navy. This rare demonstration of advanced capabilities has raised concerns among U.S. allies across Asia and the Pacific region.

China downplayed the significance of the test, describing it as a routine part of its annual military training program. Wang emphasized that the launch complied with international law and was not targeted at any specific country or objective. The exact landing site of the missile remains unclear, but analysts suggest it was likely launched from Bohai Bay in northeast China and traveled southward over the Pacific.

Prior to the test, China deployed at least three long-range tracking ships in the western Pacific, between Papua New Guinea and Guam. Japan condemned the launch, citing warnings about potential space debris falling into its exclusive economic zone and expressing serious concern over China's increasing military activities. The missile tested was likely a JL-2 or JL-3, capable of traveling over 7,000 kilometers and carrying nuclear warheads.

In recent years, China has expanded its missile forces by building approximately 350 new missile launchers and bases for mobile missile launchers, as well as upgrading long-range bombers to carry ballistic missiles with nuclear capabilities.