China has launched a nuclear-capable long-range missile with a dummy warhead in the Pacific Ocean as part of a ‘military training program’.

Chinese state-owned media outlet Xinhua stated a ‘strategic nuclear submarine of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy successfully launched a submarine-launched ballistic missile carrying a simulated training warhead into the high seas of the Pacific Ocean’ at 12.01pm on Monday.

Sources earlier claimed the launch was in retaliation to Fiji‘s new defence deal with Australia as Beijing seeks greater influence in the region.

Read more: China tests nuclear-capable missile in the Pacific hours after Australia and Fiji strike new defence alliance – as Penny Wong blasts ‘destablising’ act