RIGHT from the beginning, Beijing has maintained that its military modernization is strictly defensive, designed to ensure credible second-strike capabilities that deter foreign intervention in its sovereign affairs. This posture reflects an ancient wisdom rooted in peace, respect for humanity and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. Analytically, a stronger Chinese strategic deterrent fundamentally reduces the risk of conflict by discouraging hegemonic actions and promoting structural strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Thus, China’s holistic, comprehensive, productive and peace-oriented defense policy secures its sovereignty, national dignity, economic prosperity and export diversity amid emerging and severe regional power dynamics and war-gaming scenarios.
Most recently, a strategic nuclear submarine of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy successfully launched a strategic missile carrying a dummy warhead into relevant high seas of the Pacific Ocean; it landed within the designated waters. This test involved the firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine. China’s navy surpassed the US Navy in battle force ships in 2014 and its capacity has only expanded since then. Consequently, China has further diversified its military modernization by broadening its military capabilities and increasing its ballistic missile stockpile.
Moreover, the formation of AUKUS, the QUAD the construction of US naval and military bases in various ASEAN countries, emerging military partnerships, joint drills and, last but not least, arms supplies and the presence of US special forces in Taiwan and other regional countries have seriously damaged regional peace posing serious threats to China. Nevertheless, its most recent missile test justifies Chinese military modernization and tactical preparedness, creating a much-needed regional security equilibrium. China’s modernization of its armed forces is, therefore, legitimate, enabling it to counter all external risks and tactical threats.
The Chinese government, defense and foreign ministries have addressed any misperceptions among regional and international stakeholders regarding this test, which was conducted primarily to test and demonstrate its sea-based second-strike nuclear capability. This sea-based test followed a land-based launch in 2024 and presumably the next test will involve an air-based missile. However, China is concerned that greater cooperation in joint training, arms sales and defense spending among countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the Philippines will accelerate in response. As usual, the test generated a significant outcry in regional and global media, which portrayed it as a potential threat to the Asia-Pacific and a so-called breach of regional peace and stability. This narrative is absolutely false and artificial, vividly reflecting their own hidden agendas to justify a mad arms race, the encirclement of China and the formation of anti-China military blocs in the region. Ironically, the US State Department urged China to engage in meaningful arms control discussions and commit to a regularized notification arrangement for all intercontinental-range ballistic missile and space launches.
Critical analysis confirms that Beijing has spent years assembling a nuclear triad the ability to deliver warheads from land, air and sea an arsenal that would strengthen its position in any regional crisis or conflict with the US. Chen Xi, spokesperson for China’s Defense Ministry, stated the test launch “achieved its intended targets” and that neighboring countries were notified in advance. He emphasized that Beijing keeps its nuclear forces at the minimum level required for national security and will not engage in a nuclear arms race with any country, highlighting the true essence of its nuclear policy: peaceful, defensive and minimal, posing no threat to any regional country.
Xinhua described the launch as a “routine arrangement” in China’s annual military training, not directed against any specific country or target. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning affirmed the launch was conducted “safely, in a standardized and professional manner throughout,” adding, “We hope relevant countries will not over-interpret the matter.” Taken together, after successfully conducting a land-based intercontinental ballistic missile test into relevant Pacific high seas in 2024, the smooth submarine-launched missile test marks a significant enhancement in the overall deterrence capability of China’s nuclear triad. This clearly demonstrates to the world China’s determination and ability to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, while also providing a robust guarantee for peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
According to many regional security experts, the missile capable of a range exceeding 10,000 kilometers was officially unveiled during the 2025 military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. This successful test comprehensively validated the combat reliability of the entire weapon system and demonstrated formidable strategic deterrence capabilities. In the realm of international military activities, particularly strategic weapon tests, providing advance notification to relevant countries is crucial for maintaining a peaceful and stable international environment. Additionally, foreign media reports indicate that relevant countries received public maritime warnings from China a day in advance and diplomatic notifications prior to the recent launch. These were goodwill measures taken proactively to reduce the risk of miscalculation. China’s actions were reasonable, lawful and fully demonstrated its sense of responsibility as a major power.
In summary, deterrence remains a cornerstone of Chinese government defense policy and submarine-launched strategic missiles are a vital component of the strategic nuclear deterrence system and a recognized key element of second-strike capability, offering high survivability and ensuring that no nation can utterly destroy another’s nuclear forces in a preemptive strike. Comparative studies reveal that China is the only one of the five Nuclear-Weapon States that has pledged not to be the first to use nuclear weapons. The PLA will be celebrating its 99th anniversary in this month and its continuous strengthening of its strategic deterrence force system, including its nuclear triad, which will further strengthen its military defense capabilities creating regional security equilibrium. Logically, without any exaggeration it will fundamentally reduce the risk of large-scale conflict in the Taiwan Strait, the East China Sea and the South China Sea.
—The writer is President, the Centre for Knowledge and Public Policy, Regional Expert: China, CPEC, BRI & World Affairs.
