Following China’s reported test of an unarmed submarine-launched ballistic missile, Evan Sankey, a defense policy analyst at the Cato Institute, is available to provide additional context on what the launch signals about China’s evolving nuclear deterrent and regional security dynamics.
His full statement is below:
“China’s test of an unarmed submarine-launched ballistic missile was its first ballistic missile launch into the Pacific Ocean since 2024. Analogous to tests the United States conducts of its own submarine-launched missiles, it was probably meant to verify the functionality of a new type of Chinese missile, the JL‑3, which will serve as a critical component of its nuclear deterrent. In a positive sign for regional confidence building, China gave advance notification of the launch to some of its neighbors, including Japan and New Zealand. The test is an indication both of China’s growing willingness to demonstrate its military capabilities and to do so responsibly.”
If you’re covering this development and would like to speak with Evan, please contact Madison: mmiller@cato.org.
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