A Chinese next-generation submarine-launched ballistic missile (JL-3) was reportedly successfully test-fired on Sunday – the same day the defense minister vowed to “fight to the end” if challenged by the US.

China demonstrated its sea-based nuclear deterrent by firing a JL-3 ballistic missile (SLBM) in the Bohai Sea in the early hours of Sunday morning, Defense Blog reported, citing eyewitnesses in the area. The area was closed to navigation by the Maritime Security Administration to conduct “military exercises.” Beijing has yet to confirm the test or its results.

New Chinese submarine-launched ballistic missile spotted on test in the Bohai Bayhttps://t.co/9DB5K6JfGXpic.twitter.com/O3UEx1ZxnH — Defence blog (@Defence_blog) June 2, 2019

The solid fuel SLBM, which is expected to enter service next year, has a range of up to 14,000km (8,700 miles) and is equipped with 10 independent guided nuclear warheads.

The test comes amid unprecedented tensions in the Indo-Pacific as Washington continues to challenge China’s growing influence in the region with constant ‘freedom of navigation’ sails across the Taiwan Strait and in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.

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“If anyone dares to split Taiwan from China, the Chinese military has no choice but to fight at all costs,” Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe warned on Sunday. If the US chooses to fight, whether economically or militarily, China will “fight to the end,” Wei said.

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