China launches submarine‑borne ballistic missile into South Pacific, splash down between Nauru and Tonga

On 6 July 2026 a Chinese nuclear‑powered ballistic‑missile submarine fired an unarmed SLBM capable of carrying a nuclear warhead into the South Pacific. The missile travelled over the northern Philippines, the Luzon Strait, near Palau and Guam, covering roughly 7,300 km before splashing down in international waters between Nauru and Tonga within the Pacific Nuclear‑Free Zone. Senior Captain Wang Xuemeng, a PLAN spokesperson, said the launch "successfully [..] carried a dummy warhead toward relevant high seas … and landed precisely within the designated waters".

China described the test as a routine training exercise and claimed compliance with international law, although it provided bilateral notice less than 24 hours before launch, falling short of the Hague Code of Conduct’s requirements. Analysts noted the use of a Type 094 SSBN and the issuance of multiple NOTAMs suggesting simultaneous operations in two submarine “bastions”.

Pacific island leaders condemned the test, with Palau President Surangel Whipps saying the missile fell "right between our EEZs" and urging it be the last such launch in the region. Australian officials described the event as evidence of the “biggest arms race” in the Indo‑Pacific since 1945, calling for stronger regional defence capabilities.

The incident has heightened security concerns across the Pacific, prompting calls for greater transparency and adherence to missile‑proliferation norms.