China recenly test-fired a nuclear-capable missile from a submarine into the Pacific, the first such launch from a nuclear-powered vessel and the first submarine-based test since 1982.
The missile, identified by Taiwan as a JL-2 with a range of some 7,000 kilometres, came down near the Solomon Islands, drawing swift condemnation from Washington even as global attention remains fixed on the war between Israel and Iran.
Analysts see the test as a show of strength aimed at multiple audiences at once: Pacific nations wary of Beijing’s growing influence, a United States whose alliances in the region are under strain, and a domestic military establishment as Xi Jinping approaches a pivotal moment in his leadership.
The main message is to demonstrate that the Chinese Navy is here, it is in a position to fire missiles.
International Report: China fires long-range missile in the Pacific
The launch also comes as Chinese and Russian naval forces hold joint exercises off Qingdao, feeding into wider concerns about deepening military cooperation between the two powers.
Submarine missile test puts China’s Pacific ambitions on display
In this edition of International Report, RFI speaks to China specialist Michael Dillon of King’s College London and Clive Hamilton, author of Hidden Hand, about what the test reveals, and what it means for the balance of power in the Pacific.
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