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This week, China conducted a rare test of a submarine-launched, intercontinental-range ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean, drawing concern from the United States and several Indo-Pacific partners. Defense analysts described the event as a significant milestone in the development of China's sea-based nuclear deterrent, representing its first publicly acknowledged demonstration of such a capability. While the missile carried a simulated warhead, Beijing described the launch as a routine military exercise conducted in accordance with international law, adding that it was not directed at any specific country and that relevant countries had been notified in advance.

The U.S. State Department countered that China provided only a few hours' notice and insufficient detail, which it said fell well short of the notification standards followed by the other permanent members of the U.N. Security Council. Washington also reiterated concerns over China's "rapid and opaque" nuclear weapons buildup, urging Beijing to engage in meaningful arms control discussions and adopt a regularized notification arrangement for future intercontinental-range ballistic missile and space launches. Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and Taiwan likewise expressed concerns over the launch's transparency and its implications for regional security.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi concluded a six-day diplomatic tour of Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway this week, where he met senior officials including Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Against a backdrop of mounting China-EU trade frictions, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said it hoped the tour would strengthen political trust. Discussions focused on expanding economic engagement and cooperation in areas including trade, green development, and innovation.

Following the visit, Beijing urged the EU to expand bilateral trade and avoid additional restrictive measures, presenting continued dialogue with European governments as a path toward easing tensions with Brussels. EU leaders have welcomed the continued dialogue, including the launch of a new China-EU Trade and Investment Consultations mechanism, but maintain that future engagement must deliver tangible progress on longstanding concerns over market access and trade imbalances.

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