China launched a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile from a submarine in the Pacific on Monday, prompting sharp condemnation from governments across the region and beyond. The test came just hours after Australia and Fiji signed a new defence pact, and New Zealand and Japan joined Australia in condemning the launch as destabilising.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned the test could undermine regional peace, while Solomon Islands leader Matthew Wale protested to China's ambassador and called for a new security pact. The U.S. State Department expressed grave concern over China's opaque nuclear buildup and urged Beijing to engage in arms control talks. NATO chief Mark Rutte said the launch showed the West must not be naive about China.
Beijing dismissed the backlash, calling the launch routine annual training consistent with international law. The last known Chinese ICBM test took place in 2024.