China Test-Fires Ballistic Missile in South Pacific

China launched a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine in the South Pacific on Monday, alarming regional powers.

Australia, New Zealand, and Japan condemned the test as destabilizing, hours after Canberra signed a new defense pact with Fiji.

The missile carried a dummy warhead and was launched at 12:01 p.m. local time, according to official Chinese statements.

The test highlights Beijing's growing sea-based nuclear deterrent and its expanding military reach into the Pacific.