Beijing's July 6, 2026 SLBM test in the South Pacific is the first publicly confirmed end-to-end sea-based nuclear launch; analysts identify the missile as likely the newer JL-3; China notified Japan in advance; the US, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan have all protested
China is expanding its nuclear arsenal faster than any other country, targeting 1,000 warheads by 2030 and reshaping the global deterrence calculus.