China test-fires long-range ballistic missile into Pacific, draws regional criticism

China on Monday test-fired a long-range ballistic missile carrying a dummy warhead into the Pacific Ocean, marking its latest display of military capability and drawing criticism from countries in the region, which described the launch as destabilising.

According to China's state-run Xinhua news agency, the missile was launched at 12:01 pm local time as part of the country's annual military training programme. Beijing said the missile landed accurately in a designated area of the Pacific Ocean and stressed that the test was "not directed against any specific country or target."

Chinese authorities did not disclose the exact type of missile or the precise launch and impact locations.

Australia, New Zealand express concern

The missile test prompted concern from regional governments, with Australia describing the launch as destabilising.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Canberra had been notified in advance but criticised the move, saying it came amid China's rapid military expansion.

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"Australia has been clear that this proposed test is in the context of a rapid military build-up by China, which is lacking the transparency and reassurance as to intent that the region expects," Wong said.

The launch came shortly after Australia and Fiji signed a defence agreement under which both countries agreed to assist each other in the event of an attack, further highlighting growing security concerns across the Pacific.

China calls launch routine military training

China maintained that the missile test was a routine part of its annual military exercises and was not aimed at any country.

According to Xinhua, the missile carried a dummy warhead and landed within the designated waters after being launched successfully.

The test comes as Beijing continues to expand its military presence and capabilities, prompting concerns among neighbouring countries and their allies.

Follows last year's Pacific missile test

The latest launch follows China's September 2024 test of a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile carrying a dummy warhead into waters near French Polynesia. That was China's first publicly known ICBM test over the Pacific in four decades and was widely criticised by countries in the region.

The United States also regularly conducts ballistic missile tests, including a launch from California to a target in the Marshall Islands earlier this year.