China Tests Submarine Missile — But Will Its Nuclear Gamble Backfire?
As Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi tours the Indo-Pacific, China has conducted a rare test of a submarine-launched, nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) across the Pacific. The missile flew thousands of kilometers over international waters before landing in the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone, prompting criticism from Australia, New Zealand and others. The test comes as India is deepening defense ties with Japan, Australia and Southeast Asian partners through new technology agreements, military exercises and missile exports. These deals include India’s first-ever joint development project with Japan: the Unicorn naval radio antenna system. What message was China trying to send — and how is it reshaping security cooperation across the Indo-Pacific? In this episode, we examine the significance of China’s ICBM launch, the regional response and India’s growing strategic role. *Recorded on July 9, 2026 at 4:10pm Taiwan Standard Time Host/Senior Producer: Yin Khvat Producer: Suvam Pal Planner: Miguel Yang Our guests: Nagao Satoru - Hudson Institute Non-Resident Fellow Sumit Kumar - Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Visiting Fellow at National Chengchi University
