China test-fired a submarine-launched strategic missile carrying a dummy warhead into the Pacific Ocean on Monday.
The launch was conducted from a nuclear submarine and accurately hit the designated sea area.
The move drew strong condemnation from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Taiwan, who called it destabilising.
New Zealand described it as a nuclear-capable long-range ballistic missile test while Russia defended its ally’s action.
China termed it a routine annual military training and said relevant countries were informed in advance. The test coincided with Australia-Fiji signing a major defence treaty and China-Russia joint naval drills.
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