China Conducts Ballistic Missile Test in Pacific Amid Criticism

China test-fired a long-range ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean on Monday, raising concerns among U.S. allies about Beijing’s growing military activities in the region. The launch involved a nuclear-powered submarine deploying a missile with a dummy warhead at 12:01 p.m. local time (12:01 a.m. ET). According to Xinhua, China’s state-run news agency, the missile “landed precisely within the designated waters,” though specific details about the location and type of missile were not disclosed.

This test marks China’s first exercise of this kind since 2024, when it launched an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean for the first time in over 40 years. The People’s Liberation Army Navy described the launch as a routine part of its annual training exercises. It emphasized that the action was not targeted at any country and adhered to international law. Relevant nations were informed in advance, and China’s foreign ministry urged against exaggerated interpretations of the test.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong addressed the test, noting that Australia was informed before the launch. However, she criticized it as a “destabilizing” action in the region. “Australia has been clear that this test occurs amidst a rapid military build-up by China, lacking transparency and reassurance regarding its intentions,” Wong stated while visiting Fiji, where Australia and Fiji signed a major defense alliance.

Japan also indicated it was notified by China on Sunday of potential space debris falling within its exclusive economic zone. The Japanese government expressed “serious concern” over the test. Fortunately, sources confirmed the missile landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.

New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters described the test as an “unwelcome and concerning development.” He emphasized that Pacific nations, like New Zealand, are not interested in seeing South Pacific waters used for such missile tests.