US, allies rattled after China’s missile test – why the launch set off alarm bells

China’s recent submarine missile test in the Pacific drew sharp reactions from the United States and regional nations. The United States accused Beijing of rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal and urged arms control talks. Several Indo-Pacific countries, including the Philippines and Taiwan, described the launch as destabilizing and provocative. Analysts view the test as a significant milestone in China’s growing sea-based nuclear deterrent capability.