Australia news live: Wong says China’s missile test in Pacific a ‘destabilising act’ that could ‘lead to miscalculation’

Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced she will personally address China's recent long-range missile test in the Pacific with Chinese counterparts during upcoming official engagements. Wong conveyed Australia's displeasure with the launch, which occurred Monday, through diplomatic channels.

Speaking to the ABC, Wong emphasized the need for the Pacific to remain an "ocean of peace." She warned that in an era marked by contest and competition, "destabilising acts can lead to miscalculation, can lead where we do not want these actions to lead." Wong confirmed that Australian defense attachés in Beijing and officials in Canberra had been briefed by their Chinese counterparts earlier in the day and had communicated the government's stance.

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We have consistently made those representations and will continue to do so … because we do want the Pacific to be an ocean of peace. … 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.

Wong declined to speculate on China's intentions or label the action as "dangerous" or "heavy handed." She reiterated that Australia would continue to make its representations clear. The foreign minister's comments come amid heightened regional tensions and follow China's recent military exercises and missile tests in the Pacific.

Separately, police in Melbourne are engaged in a stand-off with a man who allegedly painted a large "Pam the Bird" image on the city's Bolte Bridge. The man scaled the bridge and is refusing to come down, though police stated there is no threat to the public. In Western Australia, the state's Labor premier acknowledged a tough fight ahead to retain a safe seat following a retiring MP's departure.

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You should anticipate that in my next engagements, those points will be something we will discuss.