China's long-range missile test in the Pacific Ocean has sparked alarm among regional leaders, with Australia condemning the move as "destabilising" to the area. The highly anticipated test, which involved a dummy warhead, has raised concerns about China's military expansion and its implications for regional security.
Australia's acting Prime Minister, Richard Marles, confirmed that his country had been informed by China of its intention to conduct the test, but expressed deep concern about any actions that undermine stability in the Pacific. "This is a long-range missile test, and we are very concerned about any actions which compromise the peace and security of our region," he stated at a press conference.
Australia's Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, who is currently on a visit to Fiji with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, reiterated Australia's concerns. "We have been clear with China that this test is destabilising to the region, particularly in light of its rapid military build-up," she said, noting that the proposed test was at odds with the Pacific Islands Forum leaders' vision for the Pacific as an "Ocean of Peace".
The timing of the missile test has also been seized upon by analysts, who note that it occurred shortly after Australia and Fiji signed a significant defence alliance. This new agreement commits both nations to mutual aid in the event of an attack. Mark Douglas, from New Zealand ship-tracking company Starboard Maritime Intelligence, described the notification as "interesting", given that three Chinese satellite-tracking vessels had been positioned in the Pacific since early May and late June to collect data from the launch.
China's expanding military capabilities have raised concerns among regional leaders, particularly after its last intercontinental ballistic missile test in 2024. While China has not confirmed whether the missile was nuclear-capable, Australian officials have expressed concern about its potential implications for regional security. The Chinese embassy in Australia has so far declined to comment on the incident.