China test-launches SLBM in South Pacific, drawing condemnation from Australia, Philippines, US

Date: 6 July 2026 Source: China's Ministry of National Defense

Overview

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China launched a submarine-launched strategic missile in the Pacific Ocean on 6 July 2026. China's Ministry of National Defense released two images showing the missile emerging from the water surface during first-stage ignition.

Missile Type

While China did not directly confirm the specific type of "strategic" missile launched, the U.S. State Department—having monitored the launch—identified it as an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), capable of transoceanic flight with a minimum range of 5,500 kilometres.

China's state-run news agency Global Times suggested the probable use of the latest JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile. China's military first unveiled this weapon during Beijing's arsenal procession in Tiananmen Square in September 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

The JL-3 has an estimated range of approximately 10,000 kilometres and features a multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV) capable of carrying several nuclear warheads. China stated that the test launch used a dummy warhead, and the U.S. confirmed the missile was unarmed.

Global Response

Several regional countries condemned the test launch due to the short notice provided.

• United States: The U.S. State Department stated it is "working harder than ever to prevent nuclear proliferation while China is doing the opposite." This assertion followed the current administration's announcement in October 2025 that it would renew its own nuclear weapons tests. The State Department urged China to commit to a regularised notification arrangement prior to its ICBM and space launches.

• Australia: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed that China failed to follow "standard procedure" in providing 48 hours' notice before the test. He interpreted the launch as a "provocative act" intended to destabilise the region.

• Philippines: The Department of National Defence condemned the incident as a "reckless display of military power" and "imperial ambition" in the region, expressing concern for smaller countries and fragile ecological systems.

China's Response

China defended its decision to conduct the test launch with short notice, describing it as a "routine arrangement" for the PLAN's annual training.

China's SSBN Fleet

China has historically been a prolific operator of diesel-electric submarines. Since the turn of the millennium, it has sought to develop its nuclear propulsion capabilities:

• Type-093 SSNs: Two introduced between 2006–2007; four Type-093A variants introduced from 2012–2017.
• Type-094 SSBNs: Four brought into service between 2007–2021; two Type-094A introduced in 2020.
• Type-092 SSBN: A single 1980s-era boat remains in inventory.

China is also developing the new Type-096 class of SSBNs, with two boats currently under construction. Many more are likely planned as part of a broader shift toward nuclear propulsion for its subsurface fleet.

According to a 2023 report from the then U.S. Department of Defense (subsequently rebranded to the Department of War), China was planning to increase its submarine force to 80 units by 2035, while retiring older, less capable models.

Additional reporting from Richard Thomas.