China announces that it has tested a ballistic missile launched from a submarine in the South Pacific, as part of annual military exercises.

The Chinese army tested, on Monday, the launch of a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine in the South Pacific.

The action was described by authorities in Beijing as "routine," without targeting a specific country, according to the official news agency Xinhua.

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it was notified a few hours before the launch and stated that it is closely monitoring China's military activities in the region.

Ballistic missiles can carry both conventional and nuclear payloads, depending on the configuration, and have ranges that allow them to strike targets at great distances, including military and civilian infrastructure. Launches of this type can also lead to temporary restrictions on maritime and air traffic in the areas affected by the test.