China tests missile from nuclear submarine in Pacific

China launched a strategic missile from a nuclear submarine in the Pacific Ocean on Monday (6/7), a rare move that drew immediate criticism across the region. According to Chinese Navy spokesman Wang Xuemeng, the launch was carried out at 12.01 local time by a strategic nuclear submarine of the People’s Liberation Army Navy, with a training simulation warhead, and the missile landed in a designated sea area. Beijing said the firing was part of routine annual military exercises and claimed the countries concerned had been notified in advance. Japan voiced deep concern, Australia said the launch undermined regional stability, and New Zealand called it an unwelcome development. Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko also said China had given a prior briefing.