China Test-Fires Missile, Japanese Media Suggests Launch from East of Hainan Island

(Taipei, July 7, 2023, 11:50 AM EST) -- The People's Liberation Army yesterday test-fired a submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a training warhead into the Pacific Ocean. Japan's Kyodo News Agency reported today, citing Japanese government sources, that China likely launched the missile from waters east of Hainan Island towards the South Pacific.

According to ABEMA TIMES, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kiuchi stated at a press conference this morning that Japan is analyzing the submarine-launched ballistic missile test-fired by China yesterday.

He also said, "It is currently difficult to definitively answer China's intentions behind this specific launch. However, China is significantly and rapidly expanding its nuclear and missile capabilities, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), with insufficient transparency. Its military activities have become a matter of deep concern for Japan and the international community."

Chinese state media Xinhua reported that a Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy strategic nuclear submarine successfully launched a submarine-launched strategic missile with a "training simulated warhead" at 12:01 PM yesterday towards "relevant high seas in the Pacific Ocean," and that it "accurately landed in the designated area." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning claimed this was a "routine arrangement for China's annual military training, in compliance with international law and international practice, and not directed at any specific country or target."

The U.S. Department of State issued a statement criticizing the event, noting that it monitored China's submarine-launched test of an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile that landed in the South Pacific. The statement did not mention whether the U.S. had received prior notification from Beijing.

Kyodo News reported that Trump did not mention China's submarine-launched missile test during an event at the White House on the 6th. However, he announced that he would meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping around September 24th, coinciding with the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The report speculates that the U.S. may be prioritizing the stabilization of bilateral relations given Xi Jinping's upcoming visit. (Compiled by Yang Wei-ching) 07071150