When China launched a ballistic missile into the South Pacific Ocean on Monday, July 6, 2026, it was a rare test of a nuclear-capable weapons system that drew international rebuke. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
Arriving two years after a similar missile launch in international waters in the Pacific, the test by the People's Liberation Army caught the attention of small island nations whose leaders have expressed concern. The test is seen as a message for the US, according to Associated Press.
The test involved a JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile. These missiles were previously displayed during a military parade on September 3, 2025, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan's World War II surrender. Also, JL-2 missiles were shown during a parade on October 1, 2019, marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of Communist China.
Photos of the test were released by China's official Xinhua News Agency, showing the missile bursting out of the sea. The test drew criticism from the international community, as it could escalate tensions in the region.