State media on July 6 shifted focus from ideological consolidation to a PLA Navy submarine-launched strategic missile test, reported by Global Times and military outlets as enhancing nuclear deterrence. This narrative emerged in the early morning and persisted alongside Xi Jinping's personal involvement in poverty alleviation and congratulations to Peru's new president. By midday, the missile test dominated military coverage, with SCMP and DW Chinese noting the nuclear-powered aspect and potential maritime survey activity east of Taiwan. External sources diverged: SCMP analyzed 'America first' policy and China's economic divergence, while HKFP covered migrant worker rights and a domestic worker's family compensation. The previous 'meritorious models' narrative faded, replaced by a mix of military assertiveness and Xi's diplomatic engagements.
