The Yomiuri Shimbun's front-page report stated that on the 6th, China's navy announced it had launched a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) with a training dummy warhead from a strategic nuclear-powered submarine, targeting the Pacific Ocean's international waters. The SLBMs carried by China's strategic nuclear submarines are said to have a range covering from China's coast to the continental United States, and the public nature of this training may be intended to demonstrate an enhanced capability to confront the U.S.

According to the released information, the launch occurred at 00:01 p.m. on the 6th (1:01 p.m. Japan time), and it was stated that "the missile accurately hit the designated area." This exercise is part of an annual plan, notified in advance to relevant countries, and China asserts that it "complies with international law and customary practices" and is "not targeted at any specific country."

On the 6th, Chief Cabinet Secretary Kimoto explained during a press conference that there is no confirmation yet regarding whether China's SLBM passed over Japanese territory or its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Although China did not disclose the launch location, multiple Japanese government sources indicated it was likely launched from east of Hainan Island toward the South Pacific.

Kimoto and others stated that around 11:30 a.m. Japan time on the 6th, Chinese authorities sent a launch notification to Japan’s embassy in Beijing. Japan conveyed "serious concern" and strongly urged reconsideration, ensuring the missile would not fly over Japan or threaten Japan's security.

On the 5th, Chinese authorities also informed the Japan Coast Guard about establishing a zone for potential "space debris" impact. This zone includes the EEZ south of Cape Ashizuri in Wakayama Prefecture. The Japanese government suspects this could be related to the fall of the missile's booster (propulsion system).

The type of missile launched remains unclear. China's SLBMs include the "Julang-2," with a range of approximately 7,200 kilometers, and the "Julang-3," with a range of about 12,000 kilometers capable of covering the U.S. mainland from China's coastal areas—both capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

In September 2024, China conducted a training exercise launching an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean's international waters. It is reported that China reacted strongly to Japan's heightened defense policy, labeling it as "a new form of militarism," and possibly aiming to contain Japan's rise.

◆ SLBM = Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile. A ballistic missile launched from a submerged submarine. Because it can be launched from the sea—where submarines are difficult to track—it is hard to detect. The U.S., Russia, China, and other nations possess such missiles.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870011760219136/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.