China fires submarine missile into Pacific, jolting regional powers

China fired a missile from a People's Liberation Army Navy nuclear submarine into the Pacific on Monday, a rare public display of its sea-based strike capability that quickly drew criticism across the region. State media said the missile carried a dummy warhead and landed in designated international waters. Australia said Beijing gave advance notice but called the launch destabilizing. New Zealand said it was informed only hours before the test and called the move unwelcome. Japan said it lodged grave concern over increased Chinese military activity after receiving notice from Chinese authorities. The test came the same day Australia and Fiji signed a defense pact, underscoring intensifying competition for influence and security ties across the South Pacific.