Overview
- A People’s Liberation Army Navy submarine launched a ballistic missile carrying a dummy warhead into international waters in the Pacific at 12:01 p.m., Chinese state media and PLA spokespeople confirmed on Monday.
- Beijing said the test was a routine part of annual training, that relevant countries were notified in advance, and that the missile fell in designated waters.
- Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Taiwan and several Pacific island governments formally protested the launch as destabilizing and complained the advance notice was short.
- The US State Department criticised China’s opaque nuclear buildup and urged Beijing to enter arms‑control talks and set up regular advance notifications for long‑range launches.
- Analysts say the missile was likely a JL‑2 or the newer JL‑3, a development that strengthens China’s sea‑based deterrent and could prompt closer security ties and more monitoring by Pacific states and partners.