China test fires missile into Pacific, alarming regional powers

China's military has carried out a missile test from a nuclear-powered submarine in the Pacific Ocean, drawing criticism from several regional governments despite Beijing describing the launch as part of its regular military training programme.

According to China's state-run Xinhua news agency, a People's Liberation Army Navy submarine launched a missile carrying a dummy warhead into international waters at 12:01 p.m. local time on Monday (6 July). The missile landed in what officials described only as "designated waters."

Chinese authorities said the exercise was a routine annual training activity and was "not directed against any specific country or target."

Regional governments voice concern

Australia, Japan and New Zealand all expressed concern over the launch, citing growing unease about China's expanding military capabilities.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Canberra had been notified in advance but described the test as destabilising.

"Australia has been clear that this proposed test is in the context of a rapid military buildup by China, which is lacking in the transparency and reassurance as to intent that the region expects," Wong said during a visit to Fiji.

Japan raises security concerns

Japan confirmed it had received prior notification of the launch and urged Beijing to reconsider such activities.

Tokyo also said it had conveyed its "grave concern" over increased Chinese military activity.

According to Japanese officials, China's notification included a warning about potential falling debris near Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Japanese media later reported that the missile landed outside the country's EEZ.

New Zealand opposes Pacific testing

New Zealand also criticised the launch, saying it had been informed only hours before the test took place.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters described the missile test as "an unwelcome and concerning development", adding that Pacific nations do not want the region used for missile testing.

Growing military capabilities

The launch follows China's rare intercontinental ballistic missile test in 2024, which highlighted the country's expanding strategic military capabilities.

While Beijing maintains that its military exercises are routine, recent tests have drawn increasing international scrutiny as regional governments monitor China's growing defence activities and their implications for Indo-Pacific security.

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