China publicly announced it launched a ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine into the Pacific Ocean Monday — a rare acknowledgment of its sea-based nuclear capabilities that came as U.S.allies deepen security ties in the Indo-Pacific and NATO leaders prepare to meet amid growing concerns over Beijing's military ambitions.China's People's Liberation Army Navy said the missile, carrying a dummy warhead, was fired from a Type 094 Jin-class ballistic missile submarine during what Beijing described as a routine annual training exercise.The launch highlights one of the Pentagon's biggest long-term concerns: China's ability to field a more survivable nuclear force capable of threatening the U.S.
and its allies from the sea.Unlike land-based missile launches, a ballistic missile fired from a submerged nuclear submarine demonstrates one of the most survivable elements of a country's nuclear arsenal because the vessels are significantly harder to detect and destroy before they can launch a retaliatory strike.The growing capability also means China could eventually threaten the U.S.
homeland from a wider range of patrol areas, reducing the need for its submarines to venture into more vulnerable waters.AIR FORCE REVEALS B-2'S HIDDEN SHIP KILLER CAPABILITY AS CHINA THREAT GROWSA nuclear-powered Type 094A Jin-class ballistic missile submarine of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy is seen during a military display in the South China Sea April 12, 2018.(Reuters/Stringer)Chinese officials said the launch landed in a designated area of the Pacific Ocean and was conducted in accordance with international law."It is a routine arrangement in China’s annual military training program.
It is consistent with international law and customary international practice and is not directed at any specific country or target," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a news conference Monday."The whole process was safe, standard and professional.We hope...