Countries raise concerns after Chinese military test-launches ballistic missile from submarine in the Pacific Ocean.By AP and ReutersPublished On 6 Jul 20266 Jul 2026China has test-fired a missile from a nuclear submarine that landed in “designated waters” in the Pacific Ocean, state news agency Xinhua reports, drawing criticism and concerns from Japan, Australia and New Zealand.The Chinese navy test-launched the long-range ballistic missile at 12:01pm (04:01 GMT) on Monday from one of its nuclear-powered submarines in the South Pacific, Xinhua reported.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of listXinhua said the test was a “routine arrangement” of China’s annual military training and was not directed at any specific target.Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed that China had notified the government of plans to conduct a sea-based missile test into the Pacific but said the action was “destabilising” to the region.“Australia has been clear that this proposed test is in the context of a rapid military build-up by China, which is lacking in the transparency and reassurance as to intent that the region expects,” Wong told reporters at a news conference in the Fijian capital, Suva.Japan’s government said it was notified of the missile launch and had urged China to reconsider.“We expressed our grave concern over the Chinese military’s increased activity,” the government said, adding that Japan’s coastguard had been notified on Sunday by Chinese authorities about falling space debris that could fall within Japan’s exclusive economic zone.The New Zealand government said it was informed of …
