JL-3 intercontinental-range submarine-launched ballistic missiles are seen during a military parade in Beijing, China. Photo by ANDRES MARTINEZ CASARES / EPA
July 6 (Asia Today) -- China launched a strategic missile into international waters in the Pacific on Monday, prompting concern from Japan and other regional powers as a U.S. nuclear and missile expert said the weapon was likely a JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile.
The People's Liberation Army Navy said on social media that one strategic nuclear submarine successfully fired a submarine-launched strategic missile carrying a dummy warhead toward the Pacific at 12:01 p.m. local time.
The Chinese military said the missile landed accurately in the target sea area but did not disclose the missile type or the exact impact location.
Wang Xuemeng, a spokesperson for the Chinese navy, said the launch was part of annual military training and that relevant countries were notified in advance.
