The naval forces of the People's Liberation Army of China tested a strategic missile launched from a submarine. The launch took place in the Pacific Ocean, the Ministry of Defense of China announced.
The strategic nuclear submarine of the Russian Navy launched a missile with an imitation warhead. According to the ministry, "the missile accurately hit the designated target area". The ministry clarified that the test was within the framework of annual military exercises.
China notified all countries in advance and the launch was in accordance with international law and practice and "was not directed against any specific country or target".
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that China's missile launch could "destabilize" the region. "Australia has made it clear to China that we consider this a destabilizing factor for the region," the minister told reporters. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters also expressed concern about the launch.
In September 2024, China tested an intercontinental ballistic missile outside its territory for the first time in 40 years. The missile forces of the People's Republic of China launched an intercontinental ballistic missile carrying a dummy warhead and landed in "expected sea areas". In December 2025, "The Washington Post" reported that China is increasing its nuclear warhead production capacity.
