06.07.2026 11:31
China conducted an intercontinental ballistic missile test carrying a dummy warhead in the Pacific Ocean. While Beijing stated that the test did not target any country, New Zealand, Australia, and Japan reacted in succession after the test. The three countries said China's increasing military activities raise serious concerns for regional security and stability.
China conducted a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test in the Pacific Ocean.
According to China's official news agency Xinhua, a missile carrying a dummy warhead was launched from a nuclear-powered submarine at 12:01 Beijing time and successfully reached the pre-determined target area.
The Beijing administration stated that the test was carried out as part of routine military activities and did not target any country or specific objective. The location of the missile's impact in the Pacific was not disclosed to the public.
FOCUS ON THE NEW-GENERATION JL-3 MISSILE
While officials did not provide information about the model of the missile used in the test, military experts assess that China's new-generation JL-3 intercontinental ballistic missile, developed for submarine launch, may have been used. The JL-3 missile was first introduced to the public during a military parade in Beijing last year.
FIRST TEST SINCE 2024
In September 2024, China also launched an intercontinental ballistic missile carrying a dummy warhead from over the Pacific into waters near French Polynesia.
That test was recorded as China's first publicly announced ICBM test in the Pacific in over 40 years, causing concern among regional countries.
PACIFIC COUNTRIES WERE INFORMED IN ADVANCE
It was reported that China informed some Pacific countries shortly before the missile test. The timing of the test, immediately after Australia and Fiji announced a mutual defense agreement and regional security alliance, drew attention.
REACTIONS FROM NEW ZEALAND, AUSTRALIA, AND JAPAN
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed "deep concern" over the test, stating that they do not want China to use the South Pacific as a testing ground for its missile capabilities.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong argued that the test undermined regional stability. Wong stated that despite China's rapidly growing military capacity, it has not shown sufficient transparency regarding its intentions.
The Japanese government also announced serious concern over China's increasing military activities. The Tokyo administration reported that they had requested Beijing to reconsider the launch before the test.