China to Test Ballistic Missile in Pacific, Australia Expresses Concern

In short:

China is preparing to test fire a ballistic missile, carrying a dummy warhead, in the Pacific.

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles has confirmed Australia has been 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 is preparing to test-fire a ballistic missile armed with a dummy warhead in the Pacific Ocean.

The ABC understands China's embassies have been briefing countries across the Pacific ahead of the tests.

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles confirmed the government had been told of the plans.

"We were informed by China today of its intention to do this test," he said.

"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."

"We are completely committed to the Oceans of Peace declaration that was made by the Pacific Island Forum last year, and our primary focus, our primary concern, is on maintaining the peace and security of the Pacific."

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.

News of the missile test broke just hours after Australia and Fiji announced a surprise new military pact, elevating the two country's military alliance to the highest levels.

The Oceans of Peace alliance includes a mutual defence obligation that would require either country to respond should the other come under military attack.

But Mr Marles said he did not believe the missile test was in any way a response to the new pact.

Asked about the possibility China might respond poorly to news of the pact, Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said he was not expecting problems.

"I do not expect China to [push back severely] on either government, and I believe that they will welcome the understanding that it is between Australia and Fiji," he said.

"It does not threaten Fiji's relationship with China, nor Australia's relationship with China.

"And as we have made it very clear in the past, your enemies are not necessarily my enemies."