China's missile test overshadowed by Iran war, but Pacific nations are watching

Lead

China has test-fired a nuclear-capable missile from a submarine into the Pacific, in what analysts describe as a show of strength directed at multiple audiences. The launch, the first known submarine-based test since 1982, drew swift condemnation from Washington and prompted a warning from Nato's Secretary General about China's military development.

Coverage Comparison

Two news organisations have reported on the test, each with a slightly different focus. RFI — English provides an analytical piece, framing the event as a demonstration of China's growing military influence in the Pacific. The South China Morning Post, meanwhile, centres its coverage on Nato's response, highlighting the alliance's concerns over China's military buildup and its support for Moscow's war in Ukraine.

Key Claims

According to RFI — English, China recently test-fired a nuclear-capable missile from a submarine into the Pacific. The missile, identified by Taiwan as a JL-2 with a range of approximately 7,000 kilometres, came down near the Solomon Islands. Analysts cited by RFI view the test as a show of strength aimed at several audiences at once: Pacific nations wary of Beijing's growing influence, a United States whose regional alliances are under strain, and a domestic military establishment as President Xi Jinping approaches a pivotal moment in his leadership.

The launch also comes as Chinese and Russian naval forces hold joint exercises off Qingdao, a development that feeds into wider concerns about deepening military cooperation between the two powers, as reported by RFI.

The South China Morning Post reports that Nato's Secretary General, Mark Rutte, said the alliance "cannot be naive" about China's military development, noting that the Indo-Pacific and European theatres are becoming "more intertwined," as evident in Beijing's support for Moscow's war in Ukraine. The newspaper also reports that Rutte has discussed the issue with Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi.

Both outlets report that China launched what it called a "strategic missile" carrying a dummy warhead from its nuclear-powered submarine towards the Pacific, in the first known submarine-based missile test since 1982. This particular detail is consistent across the two reports.

Perspectives

Nato's View

Nato's Secretary General, Mark Rutte, expressed concern over China's military development, stating that the alliance "cannot be naive" about the situation. He emphasised that the Indo-Pacific and European theatres are becoming "more intertwined," citing Beijing's support for Moscow's war in Ukraine as evidence. Rutte also confirmed that he has discussed the matter with Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, highlighting the growing cooperation between Nato and Japan in addressing shared security concerns.

Analysts' Interpretation

Analysts cited by RFI — English view the missile test as a deliberate signal to multiple audiences. According to China specialist Michael Dillon of King's College London and Clive Hamilton, author of Hidden Hand, the test is intended to demonstrate that the Chinese Navy is "here, it is in a position to fire missiles." This suggests the launch serves both to reassure domestic observers of China's military capabilities and to warn external actors against underestimating Beijing's reach.