China test-fires strategic missile from nuclear submarine in Pacific, Japan and Australia raise concerns

China successfully test-fired a long-range strategic missile from one of its nuclear-powered submarines in the Pacific Ocean, prompting criticism from Japan and Australia, which described the move as a source of regional instability despite receiving advance notification of the launch.

According to the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, the missile carrying a dummy warhead was launched at 12:01 pm and landed accurately in a designated area of the Pacific Ocean. Chinese state media said the launch was part of the PLA Navy's routine annual military training programme and complied with international law and established international practices.

The PLA stated that relevant countries had been informed in advance and stressed that the missile test was not directed at any specific country or target. However, Beijing did not disclose the type of missile used or its operational range.

Australia strongly criticised the launch, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong calling it a "destabilising" development in the Indo-Pacific. She said the test comes amid China's rapid military expansion and a lack of transparency regarding its strategic intentions, warning that such actions increase the risk of miscalculation in the region.

Japan also expressed concern over the missile test. According to Japanese media reports, Tokyo urged Beijing to reconsider such military activities, saying they could affect regional security and stability despite prior notification.

Responding to the criticism, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning defended the launch, reiterating that it was a routine military exercise conducted safely and professionally. She urged other countries not to "overinterpret" the exercise and maintained that it was consistent with international law.

While China did not identify the submarine involved, defence analysts believe the launch may have been carried out by a Type 094 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, which is capable of carrying JL-2 or the newer JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missiles. China currently operates at least six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines and is reportedly developing the more advanced Type 095 class.

The latest missile test comes amid China's continued military modernisation and naval expansion. The People's Liberation Army Navy has become the world's largest by fleet size and continues to expand its capabilities with new aircraft carriers, advanced submarines and modern warships, intensifying strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region.