China's suspected JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, though this test used a dummy warhead. Travelling at around 20 times the speed of sound, it splashed down less than 2,000km from Samoa. Had it continued towards Samoa, it would have arrived in about five minutes. With an estimated 10,000km range, it is capable of reaching Samoa from launch points off China's coast or in the South China Sea.
By The Editorial Board
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09 July 2026, 9:20AM
At a reported speed of around 20 times the speed of sound, and what defence analysts believe was China's JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile, Monday's test should have sent a chill through every Pacific nation.
