China Missile Alarm

China's submarine missile test spurred regional alarm and criticism over its timing.

Chinese government tells critics not to ‘overinterpret’ missile test in Pacific as criticism grows

China launches rare submarine ballistic missile as Pacific allies strengthen defense ties before NATO summit

China Sparks Alarm With "Dummy" ICBM Nuke Test - Joe.My.God.

Summary

A neutral summary of the key facts most outlets agree on, drawn from reporting across the political spectrum.

China’s navy test-launched a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine into the South Pacific on Monday, in a public test of its sea-based nuclear capability. The missile carried a dummy warhead, launched at 12:01 p.m. Beijing time and landed in designated waters, according to Chinese authorities. Beijing said relevant countries were notified and described it as routine annual training not aimed at any country or target. Australia, New Zealand and Japan raised concerns, while U.S. and Australian officials said the launch came with insufficient notice and did not comply with international law.

The Coverage

How outlets are covering this story: how much of the coverage argues a viewpoint, and the angles that emerged — built only from the analysis and opinion pieces, never from straight reporting. Each dot is one article, placed by its outlet's bias — left to right. How to read our graphics →

· ·

Some commentarymostly reporting, with a slice of commentary.

What the analysis & opinion pieces argue

Missile show of force

China’s rare submarine-launched ballistic missile test projected Beijing’s growing long-range and sea-based nuclear power. The launch was an alarming show of force at a moment of heightened regional defense activity and concern over China’s military ambitions.