Jul 06, Kathmandu - China has confirmed that it conducted a missile test from a strategic nuclear submarine in the Pacific Ocean on Monday. While some regional nations were reportedly informed in advance, the move has heightened concerns among countries like Japan and sparked a new debate over China's expanding military presence in the South Pacific.

According to Chinese Navy spokesperson Wang Sumei, the test involved a simulated missile launch from the People's Liberation Army Navy's strategic nuclear submarine at 12:01 PM local time. He stated that the missile successfully struck its designated maritime target. The test was part of China's annual military training exercises, and relevant nations were notified beforehand.

On the same day, China and Russia launched their joint annual naval exercises from China's major eastern naval port in Qingdao. However, Beijing did not clarify whether the missile test was part of this joint exercise.

Japan condemned the test and urged China to reconsider its actions. Justin Takuache, the Foreign Minister of Papua New Guinea, confirmed that he was informed about the test in advance through a Chinese diplomat. A New Zealand government source also indicated that China had provided information about a potential intercontinental ballistic missile test, although the specific impact zone was not disclosed.

In recent years, Beijing has rapidly expanded its nuclear arsenal and military capabilities. The U.S. Department of Defense estimates that China possessed over 500 nuclear weapons by 2023, with projections suggesting this could increase to over 1,000 by 2030.

Previously, in September 2024, China's rocket forces conducted a long-range missile test in international waters near French Polynesia, carrying dummy warheads — the first such test in over four decades. Analysts believe the missile used was a Dong Feng-31 capable of carrying thermonuclear warheads.

Last month, a leaked internal document from New Zealand's defense force warned that China's naval activities and ballistic missile tests in the Pacific are becoming routine. Since World War II, nuclear tests in the region have deeply affected Pacific island nations, which are now closely watching China's growing military activities. Despite this, China continues to expand its influence through development projects such as hospitals, roads, and sports infrastructure across the Pacific islands.