Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleChina's navy conducted a rare test of a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine in the Pacific Ocean on Monday, marking its first such launch in the region in two years. The missile, carrying a dummy warhead, landed within designated waters, with China's foreign ministry stating it was a 'routine part of annual military training' and not aimed at any specific country, urging other nations not to 'overinterpret' the event. Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Papua New Guinea immediately condemned the test, with New Zealand expressing concern that the missile landed within the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone and Japan complaining about the short 90-minute notification period. Australia's foreign minister, Penny Wong, described the test as 'destabilising' for the region, occurring amidst a rapid Chinese military build-up and coinciding with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to Fiji to sign a mutual defence treaty aimed at countering Chinese influence. The incident highlights ongoing regional tensions and China's continued modernisation of its military capabilities, including its submarine-launched ballistic missiles which have the range to target significant parts of the continental United States. In fullChina hopes Indo-Pacific nations do not ‘overinterpret’ rare missile test in nuclear-free zoneMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

The dummy missile was launched by a nuclear submarine.

China has test-fired a nuclear-capable long-range missile with a dummy warhead in the South Pacific, Chinse media has confirmed.

Australian government confirms it was informed by China of its intent to conduct the test on Monday

A New Zealand government source said China had alerted them about an upcoming intercontinental ballistic missile test. | World News

Japan says it had urged China to reconsider proceeding with the launch.

Firing of long-range ballistic missile from nuclear-powered submarine marks China’s first such test in Pacific in two years

China has test-launched a nuclear-capable missile in the South Pacific hours after Australia signed a new major defence deal to ward off Beijing’s influence in the region.

Beijing goes ahead with 'routine' test despite concerns of Japan, Australia, New Zealand

A nuclear submarine of the People's Liberation Army Navy launched the missile carrying a dummy warhead toward international waters in the Pacific at 12.01pm, China's official…

China's military test-launched a long-range ballistic missile from one a nuclear-powered submarine in the South Pacific, drawing protest and concern from countries in the region.

Countries raise concerns after Chinese military test-launches ballistic missile from submarine in the Pacific Ocean.

BANGKOK — China’s navy test-launched a long-range ballistic missile Monday from one of its nuclear-powered submarines in the South Pacific in a rar...

China on Monday conducted a rare test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile in the Pacific Ocean, sparking criticism from New Zealand and Australia for actions that they said…

Beijing carried out the launch in what is known as a nuclear-free zone due to a longstanding treaty against testing nuclear missiles in the area.

China’s navy has test-launched a long-range ballistic missile from one of its nuclear-powered submarines in the South Pacific

China’s testing of a nuclear-capable missile in the Pacific Ocean generated a splash that no one heard, but every country in the region felt.

China’s testing of a nuclear-capable missile in the Pacific Ocean generated a splash that no one heard, but every country in the region felt.

China's recent missile test from a nuclear submarine in the Pacific has sparked criticism and security concerns from Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, according to Xinhua reports.

China's missile launch from a nuclear submarine in the Pacific draws criticism from Japan and Australia amid regional tensions.

China’s navy test-launched a long-range ballistic missile from one of its nuclear-powered submarines in the South Pacific.