China test-fires a missile from a nuclear-powered People’s Liberation Army Navy submarine into international waters in the Pacific on Monday, according to Chinese state media. Xinhua reports the launch occurs at 12:01pm and says the missile carries a dummy warhead. China characterizes the activity as a routine test and states it is not aimed at any specific country or target. Xinhua also reports that relevant countries are notified in advance of the missile launch.
Multiple outlets describe the submarine as nuclear-powered and the launch as occurring over the high seas. One report notes the test is China’s first known submarine-based missile test since 1982 and the first known to be fired from a nuclear-powered submarine. Regional responses described by some outlets include immediate concern and condemnation, reflecting worries among neighbouring countries about China’s military capabilities and reach.
The outlets rely on Beijing’s description and do not provide additional independent details about the missile’s type or trajectory beyond the reported timing, dummy warhead, and notification of other countries.
