A missile launch, a nuclear message: Why China wanted the US to take notice

China's rare launch of a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine into the South Pacific this week was aimed at sending a strategic message primarily to the United States rather than Pacific nations, according to experts.The test, which drew criticism from the US and several Indo-Pacific countries, highlighted Beijing's rapidly expanding nuclear capabilities and demonstrated a key milestone in China's military modernisation.It was China's second publicly acknowledged long-range missile launch into the Pacific in two years.Although Beijing described the launch as part of routine annual military training, analysts said the missile test underscored China's growing ability to threaten the US mainland with sea-based nuclear weapons.A demonstration of China's nuclear deterrentExperts cited by news agency AP said that the missile launch showcased the sea-based leg of China's nuclear triad, the ability to launch nuclear weapons from land, air and sea."The most important message is the PLA is becoming a powerful…