Official sources report that China launched a JL-2 or JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine near Hong Kong this morning. According to the reports, the missile traveled over 7,000 kilometers before landing in an area of the Pacific Ocean. The test was intended to demonstrate the operational range of the system. The launch was monitored by a Chinese intelligence vessel and a U.S. Air Force RC-135S Cobra Ball aircraft, which is used to track missile launches.