China’s People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force has conducted unannounced training drills and released footage of DF-26 launches in October 2026, while integrating the new DF-61 intercontinental ballistic missile into routine field exercises announced in early November. These activities emphasize operational readiness and rapid-response messaging tied to cross-strait deterrence rather than fresh test firings. The most recent confirmed ballistic missile launch occurred in July 2026 with a submarine-launched JL-3 variant. With roughly six weeks remaining until year-end and no announced test schedule or acute crisis triggering escalation, traders assess the probability of an additional launch as low, consistent with China’s historical pattern of infrequent, often pre-notified or simulated events outside major exercises.