India, July 6 -- China successfully test-fired a long-range strategic missile from one of its nuclear-powered submarines in the Pacific Ocean, prompting criticism from Japan and Australia, which described the move as a source of regional instability despite receiving advance notification of the launch.

According to the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, the missile carrying a dummy warhead was launched at 12:01 pm and landed accurately in a designated area of the Pacific Ocean. Chinese state media said the launch was part of the PLA Navy's routine annual military training programme and complied with international law and established international practices.

The PLA stated that relevant countries had been informed in advance an...