JL-2
Coverage of JL-2 in the Nexus archive.
- Chinese ballistic missile test is said to undermine nuclear weapons-free zone in South Pacific
China conducted a submarine-launched ballistic missile test over the South Pacific, a region designated as a nuclear weapons-free zone under the Treaty of Rarotonga. While the test did not technically violate the treaty's text due to a non-nuclear dummy warhead, Pacific nations and analysts accused China of undermining the zone's spirit. New Zealand and Australia raised concerns, citing growing pressure from nuclear-armed states on such zones.
- What to know about China’s rare ballistic missile test and why it raises concerns
China’s navy test-launched a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine in the South Pacific, drawing protests from the U.S., New Zealand, Australia, and Japan. Experts suggest it could be a JL-2 or JL-3 missile, while China claims the launch was routine and compliant with international law. The test occurred in the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone, raising concerns about treaty violations.