On July 7 local time, South Korean media Yonhap reported citing multiple sources that China had informed South Korea of its plan to test-fire submarine-launched strategic missiles in the Pacific before Monday.
The person in charge of the South Korean Ministry of National Defense did not confirm this, only stating that the relevant content involves diplomatic and defense affairs and is not suitable for public disclosure. The person in charge of the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs also did not respond directly, but emphasized that "South Korea and China maintain close communication on various matters."
This official also stated that the government is closely monitoring changes in the security environment in the Indo-Pacific region. South Korea is willing to play a constructive role alongside other countries in the region, working together to achieve the common goal of maintaining peace and stability in the region.
On July 6th at 12:01, a strategic nuclear submarine of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army successfully launched a submerged strategic missile into the relevant open waters of the Pacific Ocean, deploying a training simulation warhead. The missile landed accurately in the designated area.
According to reports from CCTV News and other sources, this launch is China’s second strategic missile test since September 2024, when it launched an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific. It also marks the first test of a submarine-launched strategic missile since 1982.
In the regular press conference held on that day, Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning stated that the missile test was a routine military training exercise, not targeting any specific country or objective. Prior notification was given to the relevant countries, and it complies with international law and international practice. The related launch activities were carried out in a safe and professional manner. It is hoped that the relevant countries will not overinterpret the situation.
However, countries such as Japan, New Zealand, and Australia remain negative, claiming that the test launches pose a so-called threat to regional security. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg took the opportunity to emphasize this, stating that it sent a signal to NATO, and revealed that he had discussed the matter with Japanese Defense Minister Shinzo Abe via text message.
On the same day, Russian President's press secretary Peskov stated that China's missile tests are a sovereign right and do not threaten any country.
According to a message posted on the 'Ministry of Defense Release' WeChat public account on the 7th, Chen Xi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, answered reporters' questions regarding China Navy's test launch of submarine-launched strategic missiles.
Chen Xi stated that the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy’s strategic nuclear submarine unit conducted a test launch of strategic missiles, achieving the expected objectives. This was part of the annual military training routine and complies with international law and practices. China informed relevant countries in advance, demonstrating the openness and transparency of the Chinese military.
Chen Xi emphasized that China adheres to a path of peaceful development, adopts a defensive national defense policy, and upholds a self-defense nuclear strategy. It always maintains its nuclear forces at the minimum level required by national security, and does not engage in any nuclear arms race with any country. The modernization of nuclear forces is aimed at ensuring national strategic security and maintaining global strategic stability.
