China tests submarine-launched missile in Pacific, draws Japan-Australia criticism

Beijing,UPDATED: Jul 6, 2026 15:06 IST

China said on Monday that it had successfully carried out a test launch of a long-range strategic missile from one of its nuclear-powered submarines into the Pacific Ocean, a move that drew criticism from Japan and Australia. Beijing described the launch as part of its annual military training and said it had informed relevant countries in advance.

The Chinese military said the missile carried a dummy warhead and landed accurately in the designated waters. But Japan and Australia said the test reflected China’s military build-up in the region, with Canberra calling it “destabilising to the region”.

According to China’s state-run Xinhua news agency, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy said one of its nuclear submarines launched the missile at 12.01 pm towards the relevant high seas of the Pacific Ocean. The Navy said the test launch was a routine arrangement of its annual training and that the Chinese side had already notified relevant countries in advance.

The Navy also said the test complied with international law and international practice and was not directed at any specific country or target. It did not identify the missile or disclose its range.

Japan and Australia, which said they had been given advance notice of the launch, criticised the move. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the launch was “destabilising to the region”.

“Australia has been clear that this proposed test is in the context of a rapid military build-up by China, which is lacking in the transparency and reassurance as to intent that the region expects,” she was quoted as saying by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post.

“Destabilising acts can lead to miscalculation, can lead where we do not want these actions to lead. I think China is aware of Australia’s position,” Senator Wong was quoted as saying by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

“The Pacific Island Forum leaders have made clear they want the Pacific to be an ocean of peace. We regard this proposed test as counter to that.”

Japan’s Kyodo News reported that Tokyo had expressed “serious concern” about China’s military activities and had asked Beijing to “rethink” the missile test when it was informed, to ensure that it would not threaten Japan’s security.

In Beijing, the Chinese Foreign Ministry played down the launch. Spokesperson Mao Ning said, “this is a routine arrangement for China’s annual military training, consistent with international law and international practice, and not targeted at any specific country or target.” She said the launch activity was conducted in a safe, standardised and professional manner throughout.

“We hope relevant countries will not overinterpret it,” Mao said. On the details of the missile, she said China had released information on that. “For more details, I would refer you to the competent department,” Mao added.

It remains unclear which type of submarine carried out the launch. China’s main battle nuclear submarine is known as Type 094, and Beijing operates at least six nuclear submarines, which are considered suitable for deployment near the disputed South China Sea. China claims most of the South China Sea, while the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counterclaims.

According to the South China Morning Post, China’s submarines can fire JL-2 missiles, and possibly the more advanced JL-3, which can strike US territory from Chinese shores. China’s more advanced nuclear submarine, the Type 095, was spotted earlier this year.

In recent years, the Chinese Navy has become the world’s largest, operating 234 warships compared with the US Navy’s 219 building ships. Between 2019 and 2023, China’s four largest shipyards — Dalian, Guangzhou, Jiangnan and Hudong-Zhonghua — produced 39 warships with a combined displacement of 550,000 tonnes, according to a study by the Centre for Strategic and Studies. The Chinese Navy has added 11 combat vessels, including the third aircraft carrier, Fujian, in 2025, and China is building a fourth aircraft carrier that reports said was expected to be nuclear-powered.

The missile launch from the submarine, China’s explanation that it was a routine drill, and the strong responses from Japan and Australia together highlighted the wider concerns in the region over Beijing’s expanding naval strength and military activity.

With PTI Inputs

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