China test-launches submarine-based ballistic missile in South Pacific, drawing regional criticism.

Australia, New Zealand and Japan criticized the launch. Several Pacific nations also criticized China when it last tested a ballistic missile in 2024, its first such test in the Pacific in decades.

Maritime intelligence company Starboard has also reported that China currently has two satellite tracking vessels in the Pacific region, which could be used to monitor a test ballistic missile launch.

The launch came within hours of Australia signing a landmark defence treaty with Fiji, the Ocean of Peace alliance, which is aimed, in part, at denying Beijing a security foothold in the region.

Bangkok — China’s military test-launched a long-range ballistic missile on Monday from one of its nuclear-powered submarines in the South Pacific, drawing protest and concern from countries in the region.

The ABC has been told that the Chinese government informed governments in the region about the test earlier today. State media reported that China’s military test-launched a ballistic missile from a submarine in the Pacific.

According to a Xinhua statement citing the Ministry of Defense, the launch was part of routine annual training, complied with international law and practice, and was not directed against any country or target.