China Fires 7,300-km SLBM Into Pacific as PLAN Signals Continuous Sea Deterrence
Updated
Updated · Naval News · Jul 10
China Fires 7,300-km SLBM Into Pacific as PLAN Signals Continuous Sea Deterrence
3 articles · Updated · Naval News · Jul 10
Summary
July 6’s launch sent a dummy-warhead SLBM about 7,300 km from the South China Sea into the Pacific, highlighting China’s shift from owning SSBNs to demonstrating an operational sea-based nuclear deterrent.
Analysts said the overwater shot let Beijing test a full-range trajectory and gather reentry and accuracy data unavailable from inland launches, while also showing a second-strike capability from protected submarine bastions.
Most observers assess the missile was a JL-2 fired from a Type 094A ballistic-missile submarine, though a reduced-range JL-3 cannot be ruled out and navigational warnings hinted more than one launch may have been planned.
Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Pacific Island governments raised concerns because the warhead landed within the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone, even though China said it had notified relevant countries in advance.
The test suggests China may normalize open-ocean SLBM launches as it builds a continuous at-sea deterrent, with regional reaction likely to hinge less on capability than on whether Beijing formalizes transparent notification procedures.