A Chinese People's Liberation Army submarine fired a new Julang-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile on July 6 [1], [2].
The test demonstrates China's capability to strike the U.S. mainland from the ocean. This development signals a shift in strategic deterrence by proving that Chinese nuclear forces can reach distant targets while remaining concealed underwater.
The missile landed near the exclusive economic zone of Tuvalu in the South Pacific [1], [2]. According to reports, the Julang-3 possesses a range of more than 10,000 kilometers [1]. This distance allows the weapon to target the U.S. mainland from various launch points in the Pacific.
Global Times said the launch showed the will and ability of China to resolutely defend national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity [3]. The publication framed the event as a demonstration of national strength to both domestic and international audiences.
U.S. officials expressed concern over the move. The U.S. Department of State said the rapid and opaque expansion of China's nuclear forces is a serious concern for regional and global security [4].
Australian Broadcasting Corporation said the missile impacted near the Tuvalu EEZ [5]. The trajectory and impact point suggest a deliberate attempt to showcase the missile's long-range precision and reach.
“The missile, with a range exceeding 10,000 kilometers, landed near Tuvalu's exclusive economic zone”
The deployment of the Julang-3 SLBM completes a critical piece of China's nuclear triad, granting it a credible second-strike capability. By successfully hitting a target near Tuvalu, China has signaled that its submarine fleet can operate far from its own shores and still threaten the U.S. mainland. This reduces the effectiveness of traditional U.S. maritime containment strategies and increases the complexity of strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific.
