- China has conducted an SLBM test launch in the South Pacific yesterday
- A number of regional countries have condemned the short notice of the test, thus interpreting the launch as a provocation
- Although unconfirmed, the missile type was likely the latest JL-3 ICBM
The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China launched a submarine-launched strategic missile in the Pacific Ocean yesterday (6 July).
China’s Ministry of National Defense published two accompanying images of the missile emerging from the water surface during first-stage ignition.
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While China failed to directly confirm any details identifying the type of “strategic” missile launched, the US State Department – having monitored the launch – revealed it was an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
What type of missile?
This missile type is capable of transoceanic flight with a minimum range of 5,500 kilometres.
China’s state-run news agency Global Times supposed the probable use of the latest JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile. China’s military unveiled the weapon for the first time during Beijing’s arsenal procession in Tiananmen Square celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in September 2025.
This new missile type has a range of ~10,000 kilometres and features a multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle carrying several nuclear warheads. But China claims its test launch utilised a dummy warhead; but the US confirmed the missile was unarmed.
Global response
Countries in the region have condemned China’s test launch for its short notice.
The United States said that it is working harder than ever to prevent nuclear proliferation while China is doing the opposite. But the US made this assertion after the current administration announced it will renew it own nuclear weapons tests in October 2025.
Still, in this case, the US State Department urged China to commit to a regularised notification arrangement prior to its ICBM and space launches
Meanwhile, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed that China failed to follow “standard procedure” in giving 48 hours notice before a test such as this. Albanese thus intepreted the test launch as a “provocative act” intended to destabilise the region.
The Philippines Department of National Defence similarly condemned the incident as a “reckless display of military power” and “imperial ambition” in the region.
China defended its decision to conduct the test launch with short notice, arguing it is simply a “routine arrangement” for the PLAN’s annual training.
China’s SSBN fleet
China had been a prolific operator of diesel electric submarines, but since the turn of the millennium has sought to further develop its nuclear propulsion capabilities, with the introduction of two Type-093 SSNs between 2006-2007 and four Type-093A variants from 2012-2017.
The PLAN also operates SSBNs, bringing four Type-094 into service between 2007-2021 and two Type-094A in 2020. The PLAN also has a single 1980s-era Type-092 SSBN in its inventory.
China is also working on the new Type-096 class of SSBNs, with two boats under construction, with many more likely planned as part of a general shift to nuclear propulsion for its subsurface fleet.
Furthermore, according to a 2023 report from the then US Department of Defense, subsequently rebranded to the Department of War, China was planning to increase its submarine force to 80 units by 2035, while working to retire older, less capable models.
Additional reporting from Richard Thomas.
