Key facts
- China conducted a long-range missile test in the Pacific Ocean.
- Australia condemned the test, calling it destabilizing to the region.
- The missile reportedly carried a dummy warhead and landed in designated waters.
- China described the test as a routine part of its annual military training.
- Australia was informed of the test on the same day it was conducted.
China has conducted a long-range missile test in the Pacific Ocean, a move that has drawn strong condemnation from the Australian government. Australia's acting prime minister, Richard Marles, stated that the country was informed of the test on the same day it occurred and expressed significant concern over actions that undermine regional peace and security.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong echoed these concerns, highlighting that Australia has been aware of a Chinese task group in the region for some time. She noted that the test occurred in the context of China's rapid military build-up, which lacks the transparency expected by the region. Wong emphasized that Pacific Island Forum leaders desire the Pacific to remain an "Ocean of Peace," and that this test is inconsistent with that objective.
China's state news agency Xinhua reported that a PLA Navy strategic nuclear submarine successfully launched a missile carrying a dummy warhead toward the Pacific, landing precisely in designated waters. Xinhua described the test as a routine arrangement of China's annual military training, with prior notification provided to relevant countries.
The test comes shortly after Australia and Fiji signed a defense alliance. Data from Starboard Maritime Intelligence indicated the presence of Chinese satellite-tracking vessels in the Pacific, likely positioned to collect data from the launch, suggesting the test had been planned well in advance.