China conducted a long-range missile test in the Pacific Ocean on Monday, launching a strategic missile from a nuclear submarine that carried a dummy warhead into designated waters, according to state news agency Xinhua. The Australian government, which was informed by China of the test earlier that day, condemned the move as destabilising to the region.
China's Missile Test Details
Xinhua reported that the People's Liberation Army Navy successfully launched a strategic missile carrying a dummy warhead toward the high seas of the Pacific Ocean at noon on Monday, with the warhead landing precisely within designated waters. The test was described as a routine arrangement of China's annual military training, with prior notification given to relevant countries. The exact location of the test remains unknown at this time.
Australia's Response
Australia's acting prime minister, Richard Marles, told a press conference on Monday afternoon that China had informed Australia of its intention to conduct the test that same day. "We were informed by China today of its intention to do this test," Marles said. "This is a long-range missile test, and we are very concerned about any actions which undermine the stability, the peace, and security of the Pacific."
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, speaking from Fiji where she is traveling with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, confirmed that Australia had been advised by China of the sea-based missile test. "Australia has been clear with China that we regard this as destabilising to the region," Wong said. She noted that the test occurs in the context of a rapid military build-up by China, which lacks transparency and reassurance as to intent. Wong also referenced the Pacific Islands Forum's desire for the Pacific to be an Ocean of Peace, stating, "We believe this test is inconsistent with that objective."
Nuclear Capability and Timing
Wong would not confirm whether Australia had been informed about the missile's potential nuclear capability but described it as a sea-based missile test. She said Australia had been informed the test would occur within the next 24 hours, and reports indicate it took place around that time. The test follows the signing of a major defence alliance between Australia and Fiji earlier in the day, committing each country to come to the other's aid in case of attack.
Regional Implications
The Chinese embassy in Australia did not immediately respond to a request for comment. This test comes after China's last intercontinental ballistic missile test in 2024, a rare event that highlighted the country's increasing military capabilities. Data from Starboard Maritime Intelligence, a New Zealand ship-tracking company, showed three Chinese satellite-tracking vessels positioned throughout the Pacific. Two vessels departed China around June 25 and currently sit near the Federated States of Micronesia, while the third departed in early May and is at harbour in Fiji's capital, Suva.
Mark Douglas, an analyst for Starboard, said, "These vessels carry large satellite dishes used to track missile launches and other space activity and are likely in the Pacific to collect data from the missile test China has reportedly notified regional governments to expect within 24 hours." Noting the departure times, he added, "This test has been planned well in advance. That said, the notification landing the day after Australia and Fiji signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance is interesting, to say the least."
