China's Julang-3 Missile Test Strengthens Nuclear Deterrence in the Pacific

On Monday, China's Navy conducted a missile test in the South Pacific, with state media reporting that a nuclear submarine fired a missile carrying a dummy warhead into international waters. The test has faced criticism from US allies, with Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong stating it destabilizes regional security.

Details of the Missile Test

The missile tested is part of the Julang-3 series, which means 'Giant Wave-3' in English. Although specific details have not been released, military experts speculate it is a submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile. Lieutenant Colonel Zhang Junshe, a researcher with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Naval Military Academic Research Institute, noted that the missile has a maximum range of 12,000 kilometers (7,400 miles) and can carry multiple nuclear warheads.

The Julang-3 is believed to have been launched from a Type 094 Jin-class nuclear-powered submarine, which is capable of sustaining a crew of 120 sailors for at least 70 days. Currently, the Chinese Navy operates six Type 094 submarines, with additional nuclear-powered attack submarines in service.

Reactions from Regional Allies

The missile test has heightened security concerns among US allies in the Pacific. Japan has urged China to reconsider its actions, while New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed deep concern over China's testing of nuclear-capable weapons in the region. This test is viewed as a challenge to the US's postwar security architecture in the Pacific.

Historically, the US tested numerous nuclear weapons in the South Pacific, particularly at Bikini Atoll. The current situation indicates a shift in military dynamics, with China's military buildup challenging this established order.

China's Strategic Goals in the Pacific

China aims to enhance its military capabilities to ensure a robust deterrent against potential threats. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) seeks to establish a military presence that can effectively respond to any first strikes. In a blog post, Zhang emphasized that even if all other military weapons were incapacitated, the Chinese submarine would still be capable of launching a nuclear counterstrike.

As of September 2024, China had already launched an intercontinental missile from the mainland toward the South Pacific, marking its first long-range missile test over international waters in over 40 years. Beijing claimed that neighboring countries were informed in advance, asserting that the exercises were not targeted at any specific nation.

• Missile Range: 12,000 kilometers (7,400 miles)
• Submarine Type: Type 094 Jin-class
• Number of Jin-class submarines: 6
• Maximum Crew Duration: 70 days