PM Modi, Albanese Discuss China's Latest Missile Test: Why Are Pacific Nations Concerned?

Last Updated:July 09, 2026, 18:12 IST

A Chinese nuclear-powered submarine test-fired a strategic, long-range ballistic missile carrying an inert dummy warhead directly into international open waters in Pacific Ocean.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday discussed China’s recent submarine-launched ballistic missile test in the Pacific Ocean, expressing mutual concern over Beijing’s expanding strategic manoeuvres.

The issue was raised directly by Albanese during a high-profile bilateral meeting with PM Modi in Melbourne. PM Modi emphasized that New Delhi firmly views the Indo-Pacific as a region that must remain anchored in peace, security, and stability.

Following the leaders’ closed-door meeting, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, “Regarding the question about the ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) launch, yes, this was raised by the Australian premier, and there was a certain amount of concern expressed about this development."

“Australia and India have shared interests and shared objectives in this regard and will continue to not only exchange perspectives on this but also intensify cooperation in various areas to ensure that peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific area continue to be met," he added.

All About China’s Latest Missile Test

A Chinese nuclear-powered submarine test-fired a strategic, long-range ballistic missile carrying an inert dummy warhead directly into international open waters in the Pacific Ocean on Monday.

While official technical details released by Beijing remain limited, defence authorities in Taiwan identified the weapon as a JL-2—a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM). Observers noted the weapon was uniquely launched while the submarine broke the sea’s surface rather than from underwater.

The missile was deployed from a strategic nuclear submarine and travelled a simulated trajectory of roughly 7,300 kilometres (4,350 miles), with the dummy payload reportedly splashing down in the South Pacific near the Solomon Islands.

The test marks a significant escalation in Beijing’s maritime defence posture. It follows a similar milestone from two years ago when China fired a land-based intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) near French Polynesia—which had been its first long-range launch over international Pacific waters in over 40 years. According to a Pentagon report submitted to the US Congress, China actively operates a fleet of six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, each structurally engineered to carry up to 12 strategic missiles.

Why Are Pacific Nations Concerned?

The unannounced nature and long-range capability of the underwater launch have triggered immediate condemnation from a coalition of regional powers, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the United States.

Defence analysts note that the test vividly demonstrates China’s maturing capability to reliably target the continental United States from heavily fortified naval bastions deep within Chinese home waters. This comes despite a parallel diplomatic reconciliation drive led by US President Donald Trump.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong strongly criticised the move, labelling the unannounced test as highly “destabilising to the region." Meanwhile, Japan—which reported receiving only a few hours of advance notice before the launch occurred—voiced “serious concerns" over Beijing’s opaque and rapidly expanding regional military activity.

Experts highlighted that the flight path signifies a shift away from land-bound defence arrays. Lyle Morris, a senior fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute, observed: “A test of this length is a major development and would indicate that China is moving toward a significantly more survivable and longer-range sea-based nuclear deterrent capability."

Adding a broader geopolitical dimension, Emma Chanlett-Avery, director for political-security affairs at the Asia Society Policy Institute, called the launch an explicit exhibition of raw strength. “It is a signal to the United States, as well as to other regional powers, of China’s military might," Chanlett-Avery stated. “I think it targets the whole idea of US-led alliances in the region, consolidating their power at a time when our alliances are under some degree of strain."

About the Author

Saurabh VermaSenior Sub-editor

Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Chief Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

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