China test-launched an intercontinental ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine in the South Pacific Monday, a rare show of force demonstrating Beijing’s expanding nuclear capabilities. The missile carried a dummy warhead and was launched at 12:01 p.m. local time, per China’s official Xinhua News Agency. 

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According to Beijing, the test was part of routine training, complied with international law, and was not directed at any specific target. “We hope relevant countries will not over-interpret the ​matter,” Chinese Foreign ​Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.

U.S. allies expressed concern, with the governments of Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan each releasing statements critical of the launch. A spokeswoman for Taiwan’s Presidential Office told reporters that the test was the latest example of China “attempting to intimidate the international community.”

China last fired a long-range missile into the Pacific in 2024. Prior to 2024, its last long-range missile launch into international waters took place in 1980.