The Chinese military announced that a navy nuclear submarine has conducted a test launch of a strategic missile toward the Pacific Ocean.

Wang Xuemeng, a spokesperson for the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, stated on social media that at 12:01 p.m. today, July 6 (local time), a Chinese navy strategic nuclear submarine successfully launched one submarine-launched strategic missile carrying a mock warhead into international waters in the Pacific, and that the missile accurately landed in the designated area.

Wang added, "This missile test launch is a routine part of China's annual military training and was notified to relevant countries in advance," noting that it "is in line with international law and international practice and is not aimed at any specific country or target."

The Chinese military did not disclose the specifications of the missile or the specific impact point.

The Chinese military previously announced that it had test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into international waters in the Pacific in September 2024.

That was the first time in 44 years, since the Dongfeng (DF)-5 in 1980, that China had launched an ICBM toward the Pacific.

In 2024, the Chinese military announced only the fact of the launch immediately after it took place, and released photos of the launch on social media the following day.

The missile in the photos was estimated to be a Dongfeng (DF)-31 AG, which is capable of striking the U.S. mainland.

This submarine-launched strategic missile test by China is the first strategic missile test aimed at the Pacific in one year and 10 months since the ICBM launch in 2024.

Regarding this launch, Japanese media reported that the Japanese government had received prior notification and had requested a reconsideration to ensure that it would not threaten Japan's safety.

It was also reported that the Japanese government conveyed serious concerns regarding China's increasing military activities.

According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei), the Chinese Ministry of National Defense notified the Japanese Embassy in Beijing of the ballistic missile test launch at approximately 11:30 a.m. today.

In relation to this, Chinese authorities had provided information to the Japan Coast Guard the previous day regarding the establishment of a space debris drop zone near Shionomisaki, the southernmost cape of Honshu in Wakayama Prefecture.

It was reported that parts of the designated zone included Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

However, a Japanese government official told Kyodo News that the impact point of the Chinese strategic missile appeared to be outside of Japan's EEZ.

The Japanese government stated that it would work closely with relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Defense, to ensure the safety of its airspace and territorial waters.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)