China test‑fired a ballistic missile from a submarine in the Pacific Ocean on Monday, 6 July 2026 at 12:01 pm. The missile was equipped with a dummy (training‑simulation) warhead and was unarmed. China gave prior notification to regional governments about the test, which took place in the South/Western Pacific within a nuclear‑free zone established by treaty.

Several regional countries, including Australia, New Zealand and Japan, expressed concern or condemned the test as a negative evaluation.

Accounts differ on the missile’s capability. Some reports described the missile as nuclear‑capable, while other reports said the missile carried a dummy warhead and was not nuclear‑armed.

According to Al Arabiya, the missile was a long‑range (intercontinental) ballistic missile. The Bangkok Post reported it was the first submarine‑launched ballistic missile test in the Pacific in almost two years, since 2024. IndiaToday reported that the United States monitored the launch and expressed concern, urging arms‑control talks. The Times of India noted that the test occurred on the same day Australia and Fiji signed a mutual defence treaty. ABC Australia also reported that other sources said the missile carried a dummy warhead and was not nuclear‑armed.