Australia Slams China Missile Test as 'Provocative,' Cites Nuclear Arsenal Expansion

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has publicly condemned China's recent test of a nuclear-capable submarine-launched ballistic missile, labeling the act "provocative and destabilizing." Wong voiced strong concerns over Beijing's swift expansion of its nuclear arsenal, noting a distinct lack of transparency that heightens regional tensions.

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This is why Australia has described this test as provocative and destabilizing.

The missile test, conducted earlier this month from the South China Sea, provided minimal prior information to affected nations, including the Philippines and Pacific countries near the impact zone. Wong emphasized that this occurred against a backdrop of China rapidly growing its nuclear capabilities without the transparency the region expects. "This is why Australia has described this test as provocative and destabilizing," she stated.

Wong conveyed these concerns directly to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a meeting in Manila. She warned that incidents like the missile test, alongside recent clashes between Chinese and Philippine coast guards in the South China Sea, increase the risk of dangerous miscalculations. "We are deeply concerned about these destabilizing and risky behaviors," Wong said, noting that military capabilities are advancing rapidly while dialogue mechanisms lag behind.

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We need fewer nuclear weapons, not more.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed these sentiments, calling the test a "provocative act" that undermines regional stability. He stressed that the issue is not just the short notice of the test but the fact that it involved a nuclear-capable missile. "We need fewer nuclear weapons, not more," Albanese asserted. Analysts note China is undertaking a historic military expansion, with estimates suggesting its arsenal could exceed 1,000 warheads by 2030.

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We are deeply concerned about these destabilizing and risky behaviors.