The People's Liberation Army Navy on Monday successfully conducted the test launch of a strategic missile by a submarine.

It said a strategic nuclear submarine launched the missile, which carries a dummy warhead towards high seas in the Pacific Ocean at 12.01pm.

It landed precisely within designated waters.

The navy said the test launch was a routine arrangement of its annual training.

"This was a routine military exercise. It wasn't directed at any country or target," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular media briefing later in the day.

"We informed relevant countries in advance, and it complies with international law and international practice.

"The relevant launch activity was conducted in a safe, regulated and professional manner throughout. Other countries should not read too much into it."

China last conducted a missile test in the Pacific two years ago when it fired an intercontinental ballistic missile with a dummy warhead.

Several regional countries said they opposed Monday's manoeuvre. Japan asked Beijing to "rethink" its missile testing so the projectiles would not fly over Japan or pose other security risks. Australia and New Zealand also spoke out against the test launch. (Xinhua and agencies)



Edited by Edmond Fong