China’s latest missile launch from a nuclear-powered submarine has drawn concern from the United States, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan, with several governments calling for greater transparency over Beijing’s growing military capabilities.
According to Chinese state media, a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy submarine launched a missile carrying a dummy warhead into international waters in the Pacific Ocean at 12.01pm on Monday. The official Xinhua news agency described the test as part of China’s annual military training programme and insisted it was not aimed at any specific country or target.
China’s Foreign Ministry defended the exercise, with spokesperson Mao Ning saying the launch was conducted safely and professionally. She urged other countries not to “over-interpret” the exercise, maintaining that it was a routine military activity.
The US State Department confirmed that Washington monitored the launch, describing it as an unarmed intercontinental-range ballistic missile test that landed in the southern Pacific Ocean. The United States also renewed its call for China to engage in meaningful arms control discussions amid growing concerns over regional security.
Although Chinese authorities did not identify the missile used, state-backed newspaper Global Times, citing a military expert, reported that it was likely the JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile. The JL-3, first showcased during a military parade last year, is believed to be China’s most advanced submarine-launched missile and is capable of reaching the continental United States from Chinese coastal waters.
The missile test also prompted concern among regional partners, with Australia, New Zealand and Japan reportedly receiving only limited advance notice. The launch coincided with the signing of a new mutual defence agreement between Australia and Fiji, under which both countries pledged to defend one another if attacked.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the launch came amid China’s rapid military expansion, which she argued lacks the level of transparency and reassurance expected by countries in the region. Analysts also suggested the timing of the missile test could be interpreted as a signal of Beijing’s dissatisfaction with the Australia-Fiji defence pact, although some cautioned that such a move could ultimately damage China’s image in the South Pacific.
Meanwhile, Taiwan condemned the launch as an attempt to intimidate the international community. A senior Taiwanese security official said the island was monitoring an increase in Chinese naval activity during the current military exercise season, including joint drills involving Russia.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters described the missile test as “an unwelcome and concerning development”, while Japan said it had expressed “grave concern” to Beijing after being notified of the launch and urged China to reconsider its growing military activities.
The latest exercise follows China’s intercontinental ballistic missile test conducted in 2024, underscoring the country’s continued efforts to expand and modernise its strategic military capabilities.
