China test-launches a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine in the South Pacific at 12:01 p.m., carrying a dummy warhead, the state news organization “Xinhua News Agency” reports.The Chinese government notifies regional capitals earlier today and New Zealand receives hours-long notice before the firing, but Winston Peters says he is concerned the launch proceeded shortly after notification.Maritime intelligence company
Starboard releases imagery showing two Chinese satellite-tracking vessels in the Pacific; the launch coincides with
Australia signing an
Ocean of Peace defence treaty with
Fiji, though sources say the test was planned months in advance.