China Tests Long Range Missile in South Pacific, Raising Regional Stability Concerns The South Pacific has long been considered a nuclear free zone, thanks to the 1986 Treaty of Rarotonga.
However, China's test launch of a long range ballistic missile from a nuclear submarine in the region has raised serious concerns about Beijing's intentions and its potential destabilizing effects on regional security.
China ratified the Treaty of Rarotonga 35 years ago, but this week's test is seen as a blatant disregard for international agreements.