China launched a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear submarine into the Pacific Ocean on July 6. According to the People's Liberation Army Navy, the missile carried a training warhead and successfully landed in a predetermined area.
Beijing stated the test was part of its annual military training program and that relevant countries had been notified in advance. However, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand expressed concern, calling the launch a destabilizing action in the region.
This is not China's first missile test in the Pacific since its intercontinental ballistic missile test in 2024, but the significance lies in the launch from a strategic submarine, demonstrating China's naval nuclear deterrence capabilities. The test coincided with the start of a joint China-Russia naval exercise.