Australia calls China’s Pacific missile test ‘destabilizing’

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Wednesday that she had raised concerns directly with Beijing over its test of a nuclear-capable missile in the South Pacific, describing the launch as “destabilizing.”

Wong discussed the test with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a meeting in Manila, where Southeast Asian foreign ministers were gathering for regional talks.

A Chinese submarine fired the ballistic missile, fitted with a dummy warhead, earlier this month. The missile travelled deep into the Pacific Ocean before apparently landing in an area between the Solomon Islands, Nauru and Tuvalu.

Wong said Australia wants the region to remain peaceful, stable and prosperous, with all countries—including major powers—respecting international law and the law of the sea.

Australia previously said it had not received sufficient advance notice of the missile launch. Twelve Pacific Island countries also condemned the test, arguing that it violated the region’s desire to remain free from nuclear weapons testing.

Wong’s comments followed a confrontation between Philippine and Chinese sailors at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. A Philippine sailor was allegedly struck on the head with a baton during the incident.

The Australian foreign minister reiterated Canberra’s concerns about conduct that could increase instability and create additional risks in the region.

During a visit to a Philippine coast guard vessel on Tuesday, Wong also announced that Australia would provide drone technology and operator training worth 413 million Philippine pesos, equivalent to approximately $6.7 million, to the Philippine Coast Guard.