China Tests Long-Range Missile from Nuclear Submarine Amid Growing Pacific Tensions

China launched a strategic missile from a nuclear submarine into the Pacific on Monday, marking the first known test of its kind from a submarine since 1982, according to the South China Morning Post. Source: La Vanguardia, El Confidencial, Infobae

What happened

The test, carried out at 12:01 local time (04:01 GMT), involved a missile with a simulated warhead that landed in a pre-designated area. China's state news agency Xinhua stated the exercise was part of annual training and "not directed against any country or specific target." Source: La Vanguardia The launch was from a nuclear-powered submarine, which offers longer endurance and operational range. Source: Infobae Australian media had reported prior notification to regional governments including Australia. Source: El Confidencial

Regional tensions

The test comes amid heightened Chinese naval activity in the Western Pacific. Taiwan's National Security Council secretary-general Joseph Wu said China had mobilized a record 110+ vessels along the first island chain. Source: Infobae Tsai Ming-yen, director of Taiwan's National Security Bureau, warned of an "upward trend" in such movements. Source: La Vanguardia Separately, China imposed export restrictions on 40 Japanese entities, citing Japan's "remilitarization," and Japan protested Chinese maneuvers near Yonaguni Island. Source: El Confidencial