China’s Missile Test Amid Australia’s Pacific Defense Deals

On Monday, China conducted a test launch of a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine. This marked China’s first missile test in two years.

The missile was equipped with a dummy warhead and was launched into the Pacific Ocean. Xinhua, China’s official news agency, reported that it landed accurately in the designated area. The launch occurred at 12:01 p.m. Beijing time and was not aimed at any specific country or target.

The precise landing location remains unclear. The test coincided with announcements of defense treaties and security alliances between Australia and Pacific Island nations. These agreements are part of Australia’s efforts to counter China’s regional influence.

Regional governments were informed shortly before the launch. In September 2024, China tested an intercontinental ballistic missile with a dummy warhead in the Pacific, near French Polynesia. This was the first such publicized test by China in over forty years, which caused alarm among countries in the region.