China Conducts Submarine-Launched Strategic Missile Test into Pacific Ocean
The missile flew toward designated high-seas waters in the Pacific Ocean and landed precisely in the target area, according to Chinese Navy and Foreign Ministry.
SOUTH PACIFIC — The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) launched a strategic missile carrying a dummy warhead from one of its nuclear-powered submarines on July 6 at 12:01 p.m. Beijing time.
The missile flew toward designated high-seas waters in the Pacific Ocean and landed precisely in the target area, according to Chinese Navy and Foreign Ministry.
Chinese government statements described the event as a routine element of annual training. Beijing stated that relevant countries received advance notification and that the launch complied with international law and practice. The action was not directed against any specific country or target.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning addressed the test during the regular press conference on July 6. She stated that the Chinese side had released information on the matter and referred specifics to the competent authorities.
Mao Ning described it as a routine arrangement in China’s annual military training program that is consistent with international law and customary international practice and is not directed at any specific country or target.
The test was carried out on the opening day of the annual China-Russia Joint Sea-2026 naval exercise. Force assembly for the drills was completed the previous day at a military port in Qingdao. A joint command was established comprising task forces from the navies of both countries.
The exercise phases include harbor-based planning on July 6 and subsequent at-sea operations, followed by joint maritime patrol in relevant areas of the Pacific Ocean.
Chinese Ministry of Defense statements described the arrangement as focused on jointly responding to security challenges and safeguarding regional peace and stability.
The drills focus on joint reconnaissance, air and missile defense, rescue operations, anti-submarine warfare, and live-fire artillery.
