Post by Bobby. on Jul 7th, 2026 at 9:10pm
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-06/china-test-ballistic-missile-south-pacific/106885076
Mon 6 July 2026.
In short:
China has test-fired a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile
carrying a dummy warhead in the Pacific.
Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles has confirmed Australia was briefed by China on the planned test and says Australia is "very concerned".
What's next?
The test comes as Australia announces a new defence pact with Fiji, but Mr Marles says he does not think the two are related.
China has test-fired a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile armed with a dummy warhead in the Pacific Ocean, a move that has been labelled "destabilising to the region" by the Australian government.
The test was confirmed by China's navy which reported the firing of a "strategic missile" in the Pacific earlier today.
In a statement posted to social media a PLA-Navy spokesperson said the missile was launched from a submarine and landed within the target zone in the Pacific.
"This test launch is a routine arrangement of the annual training of the Chinese PLA Navy," Senior Captain Wang Xuemeng said in the statement.
"The Chinese side has already notified relevant countries in advance.
"This test launch complies with international law and international practice and is not directed at any specific country or target."
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the Australian government had been informed the test would occur but argued the move lacked "the transparency and reassurance" that Pacific neighbours expected.
"Destabilising acts can lead to miscalculation, can lead where we do not want these actions to lead. I think China is aware of Australia's position," Senator Wong told 7.30.
"Pacific Islands Forum leaders have made clear they want the Pacific to be an ocean of peace. We regard this proposed test as counter to that."
A similar missile test conducted in late 2024 was strongly criticised by a number of countries in the region, while Australia raised the matter in meetings with Chinese leaders.
Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles indicated that the government was alarmed by the plans.
"This is a long-range missile test and we are very concerned about any actions that undermine the stability, peace and security of the Pacific," he said.
"We are completely committed to the [Blue Pacific] Ocean of Peace Declaration that was made by the Pacific Islands Forum last year, and our primary focus, our primary concern, is on maintaining the peace and security of the Pacific."
Missile test comes following Fiji pact
News of the missile test broke just hours after Australia and Fiji announced a surprise new military pact, elevating the two countries' military alliance to the highest levels.
The Ocean of Peace Alliance includes a mutual defence obligation that would require either country to respond should the other come under military attack.
Mon 6 July 2026.
In short:
China has test-fired a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile
carrying a dummy warhead in the Pacific.
Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles has confirmed Australia was briefed by China on the planned test and says Australia is "very concerned".
What's next?
The test comes as Australia announces a new defence pact with Fiji, but Mr Marles says he does not think the two are related.
China has test-fired a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile armed with a dummy warhead in the Pacific Ocean, a move that has been labelled "destabilising to the region" by the Australian government.
The test was confirmed by China's navy which reported the firing of a "strategic missile" in the Pacific earlier today.
In a statement posted to social media a PLA-Navy spokesperson said the missile was launched from a submarine and landed within the target zone in the Pacific.
"This test launch is a routine arrangement of the annual training of the Chinese PLA Navy," Senior Captain Wang Xuemeng said in the statement.
"The Chinese side has already notified relevant countries in advance.
"This test launch complies with international law and international practice and is not directed at any specific country or target."
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the Australian government had been informed the test would occur but argued the move lacked "the transparency and reassurance" that Pacific neighbours expected.
"Destabilising acts can lead to miscalculation, can lead where we do not want these actions to lead. I think China is aware of Australia's position," Senator Wong told 7.30.
"Pacific Islands Forum leaders have made clear they want the Pacific to be an ocean of peace. We regard this proposed test as counter to that."
A similar missile test conducted in late 2024 was strongly criticised by a number of countries in the region, while Australia raised the matter in meetings with Chinese leaders.
Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles indicated that the government was alarmed by the plans.
"This is a long-range missile test and we are very concerned about any actions that undermine the stability, peace and security of the Pacific," he said.
"We are completely committed to the [Blue Pacific] Ocean of Peace Declaration that was made by the Pacific Islands Forum last year, and our primary focus, our primary concern, is on maintaining the peace and security of the Pacific."
Missile test comes following Fiji pact
News of the missile test broke just hours after Australia and Fiji announced a surprise new military pact, elevating the two countries' military alliance to the highest levels.
The Ocean of Peace Alliance includes a mutual defence obligation that would require either country to respond should the other come under military attack.
