China Test-Fires Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile Into Pacific

The Chinese navy has test-fired a submarine-launched strategic ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean after Japan urged Beijing to reconsider the exercise, Jesse Johnson reported for The Japan Times.

China carried out a submarine-launched ballistic missile test in the Pacific, drawing concern from Japan. (Photo: Li Xiangchao, Xinhua)

According to Xinhua News Agency, the missile, equipped with a mock warhead, "accurately landed in a designated area" and was launched as part of China's annual military training.

Xinhua said the exercise complied with international law and international practice and was not directed at any specific country or target.

Chinese authorities added that relevant countries had been notified in advance.

Details about the missile type and its exact impact location were not immediately disclosed.

The Japanese government said the Japan Coast Guard received advance notice on Sunday that a restricted area would be established within Japan's exclusive economic zone south of Shionomisaki because of falling debris.

About 90 minutes before the launch, China's Ministry of Defense also formally informed the Japanese Embassy in Beijing that a ballistic missile test would take place.

Japan said it conveyed its "serious concern" over China's increasingly active military activities and urged Beijing to refrain from missile launches that could threaten Japan's security, including flights over Japanese airspace.