Australia Protests China’s ‘Destabilizing’ Missile Test

Australia voiced strong concern over China's recent nuclear-capable missile test in the South Pacific, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong describing the launch as "destabilizing." Wong directly conveyed this apprehension to her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, during a meeting in Manila.

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We have made clear publicly and directly to China that we regard the missile test as destabilizing and we... put that directly to Foreign Minister Wang Yi in my discussions (with him) yesterday.

The Australian minister's remarks came just a day after she condemned China's "dangerous conduct" following a maritime clash between Philippine and Chinese vessels near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea. The missile, fitted with a dummy warhead, was fired by a Chinese submarine earlier this month, traveling a significant distance into the Pacific Ocean.

"We have made clear publicly and directly to China that we regard the missile test as destabilizing," Wong told reporters. She emphasized Australia's desire for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region where all powers adhere to international law, particularly the law of the sea. Australia has previously stated it did not receive adequate notice of the missile test, which has also drawn denunciation from a dozen Pacific Island nations for violating the region's nuclear-free status.

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We want a region which is peaceful, stable and prosperous. We want a region where countries, all powers, including great powers, observe international law and, in particular, the law of the sea.

Regarding the incident at Second Thomas Shoal, where a Philippine sailor was allegedly injured, Wong reiterated Australia's "real concerns about behavior that is destabilizing and risky." In a separate development, Wong announced Australia's donation of $6.7 million worth of drone technology and training to the Philippine Coast Guard during a visit to a Philippine vessel.

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real concerns about behavior that is destabilizing and risky