China Launches Submarine Missile as Australia Strengthens Pacific Defense Ties
China has test-fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile in the Pacific Ocean, marking its first such launch in two years. The missile, launched from a nuclear-powered submarine, carried a dummy warhead. Xinhua, China’s official news agency, reported that the missile landed accurately in the designated area.
The test, carried out at 12:01 p.m. Beijing time, was described by Xinhua as not targeting any specific country. Details on the exact landing location of the missile remain unclear.
Australia and Fiji’s leaders announced a mutual defense treaty and regional security alliance, coinciding with the launch. This forms part of Australia’s broader strategy to strengthen ties with Pacific Island nations, aiming to counteract China’s growing influence in the region.
Regional governments received advance notice of the missile launch. A similar test conducted by China in September 2024 involved an intercontinental ballistic missile with a dummy warhead landing near French Polynesia. That event marked a significant development, being the first time in over forty years that China publicly tested an ICBM in the Pacific.
The image above, credited to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army News and Communication Center, captures the September 2024 missile launch.