China on Monday test-fired a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine into the Pacific. The testing has raised concerns among the United States and several Indo-Pacific countries. While Beijing called the launch a routine military exercise, the move has sparked worries over China’s expanding nuclear capabilities and its potential impact on regional security.
China Tests Long-Range Missile From Submarine
The missile, carrying a dummy warhead was launched as part of China’s annual military exercise. It was China’s second publicly acknowledged long-range missile launch into the Pacific in two years. However, the test comes at a time when tensions between China and the US are rising over military influence and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
US And Indo-Pacific Nations Raise Concerns
Following the missile test, Washington criticised China, accusing Beijing of rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal. According to the news agency AFP. US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said, “At a time when the United States is working harder than ever to prevent nuclear proliferation, China is doing the opposite.” He added that Beijing’s “rapid and opaque nuclear weapons buildup is of great concern to the region and the world” and called on China to take part in arms control talks and provide advance information about such launches.
Other than the US, several countries in the region also expressed concerns over the missile launch. The Philippines called it a “reckless display of military power” and said the test had “no peaceful purpose” but was instead “a calculated act of taunting and provocation” against countries opposing China’s expansionist actions. Australia described the launch as “destabilising to the region”, while Japan expressed “serious concerns” over China’s growing military activities.
New Zealand said it received advance information only a few hours before the launch and noted that the missile entered the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone created under the Treaty of Rarotonga. Many experts believe the launch shows a major development in China’s nuclear and naval capabilities. Lyle Morris, senior fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute, said the test indicates China is moving towards a “significantly more survivable and longer-range sea-based nuclear deterrent capability.”
“It shows that China's navy is capable of targeting the continental United States from bastions close to Chinese waters,” Morris said. Amid the criticism, China maintained the missile test followed international rules and was not aimed at any country.
Why China’s Missile Test Matters For India
The missile test is also significant for India as it reflects China’s growing military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. According to reports, India has already been closely monitoring Beijing’s defence move due to ongoing tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Furthermore, China’s growing naval and missile strength can create new security challenges for India, especially in the Indian Ocean region.
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