Foreign Minister Penny Wong has confirmed she will raise China's recent long-range missile test in the South Pacific directly with Chinese counterparts during her upcoming official engagements.
Australia's Response to the Missile Launch
Speaking to the ABC on Monday evening, Wong stated that Australia had already conveyed its displeasure through diplomatic channels regarding Monday's missile launch. "We have consistently made those representations and will continue to do so … because we do want the Pacific to be an ocean of peace," she said.
Wong emphasised the risks of such actions, noting, "In an era where we see contest and competition, the destabilising acts can lead to miscalculation, can lead where we do not want these actions to lead."
Diplomatic Briefings and Future Discussions
Australian defence attachés in Beijing and officials in Canberra were briefed by their Chinese counterparts earlier in the day and communicated the government's view. Wong added, "You should anticipate that in my next engagements, those points will be something we will discuss."
When pressed on whether the test was "dangerous" or "heavy handed," Wong declined to speculate on China's intentions, repeatedly refusing to characterise the action.
