China’s Nuclear Submarine Test Launches Ballistic Missile In Pacific, Raising Regional Tensions

Chinese navy conducted a ballistic missile test on Monday from a nuclear-powered submarine in the South Pacific, an event which drew criticism and protest from regional countries as well as the West.

The missile had a dummy warhead, and the exercise conducted at 12:01 p.m. local time was part of annual training.

It was not directed against any country or target, according to the Ministry of Defence.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said that this exercise aimed to destabilise the region and showcase China’s growing range of nuclear capabilities.

“We are concerned about the test that’s taken place, and we’ve expressed that very clearly to China,” he added.

Opposition defence spokesman James Paterson said the test was an intimidation tactic.

“It’s consistent with the People’s Republic of China’s approach to the region, which is not only destabilising and unwelcome, but also threatening and coercive, and part of the reason why they undertake these tests is for the demonstration effect,” he told a media outlet.

He said that China wants Pacific Island countries and Australia to know that they can conduct such exercises and intimidate others.

Pacific Minister Pat Conroy added that China had not given any advance notice that it would be conducting such an exercise, which is inconsistent with international standards.

“It’s not consistent with the Hague Convention on ballistic missile testing, which would require more notice and greater information provided to countries,” he added.

He also said that China should have been more transparent and provided details about the missile’s probable flight path to countries in the region.

The test launch comes as PM Anthony Albanese boosts diplomatic efforts in the Pacific. He landed in the Solomon Islands on Tuesday for talks with new PM Matthew Wale.

An alliance with Papua New Guinea, the Nakamal Agreement, will also come into effect on Wednesday.