China Launches SLBM with 10,000km Range, Signaling Intensified Military Ambitions

[Anchor]

China launched a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) into the Pacific Ocean yesterday (July 6). The missile is believed to be a third-generation weapon capable of striking most of the globe, including the U.S. mainland. Countries surrounding the Pacific, including Japan and Australia, have expressed strong opposition.

Beijing correspondent Choi Go-un reports.

[Reporter]

The Chinese military announced that it successfully launched one submarine-launched ballistic missile carrying a dummy warhead into the high seas of the Pacific Ocean at 12:01 p.m. yesterday.

This marks the first time China has launched a missile into the Pacific in one year and 10 months, since September 2024.

While specific details of the missile were not disclosed, domestic and international military experts believe it is highly likely to be the Julang-3, China's latest third-generation SLBM.

China previously unveiled the Julang-3 during a military parade in September last year. With a range of over 10,000 kilometers, it is capable of striking most regions on Earth, including the U.S. mainland.

Because it is launched from submarines hidden underwater, which are difficult to detect, it poses a much greater threat than land-based or air-launched nuclear weapons.

China stated that this test launch was part of its annual routine military training and that relevant countries had been notified in advance.

[Mao Ning / Spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs: This test launch is part of China's annual military training in accordance with international law and practice, and I would like to state that it is not aimed at any specific country or target.]

However, countries including Australia, New Zealand, and Japan voiced their concerns and criticism in unison, noting that they were only notified a few hours before the launch.

[Minoru Kihara / Japanese Minister of Defense: The Japanese government is concerned about this missile launch from the perspective of the security of Japan and the region, and we will maintain full vigilance and surveillance while closely monitoring related developments.]

Analysts interpret this as a signal that China is moving away from its previous stance of refraining from long-range missile tests to avoid backlash from the United States, and is now accelerating its military rise.

(Video Editing: Choi Jin-hwa)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.