China Conducts Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile Test into Pacific Ocean

BEIJING: China has carried out a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) test, firing a nuclear-capable missile into the Pacific Ocean as part of a planned military exercise, according to state media.

The missile, carrying a dummy warhead, was launched on Monday from an unspecified Chinese navy submarine and “accurately fell into the predetermined sea area,” the official News Agency reported. The launch forms part of China’s ongoing annual military training exercises.

Officials in Australia and New Zealand confirmed they had been notified in advance of the test. The development comes amid increased regional attention on China’s strategic missile capabilities, following similar long-range tests conducted in recent years.