China carried out a missile test in the Pacific Ocean on Monday after launching a missile from one of its nuclear-powered submarines. The launch raised concerns among several countries in the region, including Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. These countries said the test added to worries over China's growing military presence and its expanding activities in the Pacific.

China's official news agency, Xinhua, reported that a submarine from the People's Liberation Army Navy launched the missile at 12:01 p.m. local time (0401 GMT). The missile carried a dummy warhead and landed in what Xinhua described as "designated waters" in the Pacific Ocean. The report did not reveal the exact location of the impact.

Xinhua said the launch formed part of China's annual military training programme. It described the test as a "routine arrangement" and stated that it was not directed against any particular country or target.

Australia confirmed that China informed its government before carrying out the launch. However, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed concern over the test and its impact on regional security.

She said the launch was "destabilising" for the region. Wong added, "The test was 'in the context of a rapid military buildup by China, which is lacking in the transparency and reassurance as to intent that the region expects.'"

The missile test took place only hours after Australia and Fiji signed a major defence agreement. Under the new alliance, both countries committed to support each other if either nation faces an attack. The agreement marked another step in Australia's efforts to strengthen security partnerships across the Pacific.

China and Western countries, led by the United States and Australia, have competed for influence in the strategically important Pacific island nations for several years. China has steadily expanded its economic ties and security partnerships across the South Pacific, while countries such as Australia and the United States have worked to strengthen their own relationships in the region.

Mark Douglas, an analyst at New Zealand-based ship tracking company Starboard Maritime Intelligence, said China had planned the missile test well in advance. He also pointed to the timing of China's notification. Douglas said the decision to inform Australia only after Australia and Fiji signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance was "interesting, to say the least."

China also responded to questions about the Australia-Fiji defence agreement. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China hoped all countries would respect the independence and autonomy of Pacific island nations. She added that they should avoid actions that target or harm the interests of other countries.

New Zealand also criticised the missile launch. Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the government remained deeply concerned over China's actions. He noted that China informed New Zealand only a few hours before carrying out the test.

Peters said, "It appears that despite our long-standing concerns about this type of activity, China carried out the test within hours of informing us."

He further added, "New Zealand considers this an unwelcome and concerning development. We, like our neighbours in other Pacific countries, have no interest in China using the South Pacific as a testing site for missile capability."

Japan also reacted strongly to the launch. The Japanese government said China had informed it about the missile test in advance. Tokyo said it had urged Beijing to reconsider the launch.

The Japanese government stated, "We expressed our grave concern over the Chinese military's increased activity."

Japanese authorities also said China had informed the Japan Coast Guard on Sunday that space debris from the missile launch could fall within Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

According to Kyodo News, which cited a Japanese government source, the missile eventually landed outside Japan's EEZ. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara later confirmed that Japan had not received any reports of damage to aircraft or ships following the launch.

China defended the missile test after criticism from neighbouring countries. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the military carried out the launch "safely, in a standardised and professional manner throughout."

She also said, "We hope relevant countries will not overinterpret the matter."

China rarely conducts long-range missile tests at sea. The country last launched an intercontinental ballistic missile in 2024. That test drew international attention and highlighted China's growing military capabilities.

The latest missile launch comes at a time when China continues to increase its military activities across the region. On Monday, a senior Taiwanese security official said Taiwan had observed an "upward trend" in Chinese naval movements during the current military exercise season. The official also said China has continued joint military drills with Russia, adding to regional concerns over security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.