China tests sub-launched missile in Pacific Ocean

Colin Demarest

Illustration of the flag of China as a chart with the stars creating a ripple effect — Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

China this week test-fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile, a rare move.

Why it matters: The test delivered a dummy warhead deep into the Pacific Ocean, according to state media, allowing Beijing to flex its muscles and gauge international reaction.

Criticism quickly poured in from Australia, Japan and the U.S.
Some countries were reportedly warned of the launch ahead of time.

Driving the news: A map shared Monday by the secretary-general of Taiwan's security council, Joseph Wu, showed the missile, which he said was a JL-2, flying near the self-governing island, the Philippines and Guam, and splashing down somewhere near Tonga.

"It's a provocation that destabilizes the Indo-Pacific," Wu said on X. "China just proved itself again to be a bully on the block."

Zoom in: The Pentagon specifically called out JL-2 and -3 in its 2024 report on Chinese firepower. Experts say the two are visually difficult to distinguish.

The intrigue: U.S. Space Command said it "monitored over 6,000 missile launches globally" last year.

Go deeper: Taiwan tests Lockheed launchers in China's direction

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China tests sub-launched missile in Pacific Ocean

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