Breaking: China to test nuclear missile in South Pacific

China is reportedly preparing to test a ballistic missile with a dummy warhead in the Pacific Ocean, according to reports from ABC Australia. The Chinese government has informed regional governments of the planned test, which has been confirmed by multiple sources.

This potential test follows a similar event in 2024, where China's first ballistic missile test in the Pacific in decades drew criticism from several Pacific nations. Maritime intelligence company Starboard has observed two Chinese satellite tracking vessels in the Pacific, suggesting preparations for monitoring such a launch.

The timing of the announcement is notable, occurring just hours after Australia signed a significant defense treaty with Fiji, known as the Ocean of Peace alliance. This alliance is partly designed to prevent Beijing from establishing a security presence in the region. However, one regional government source indicated that the missile test was likely planned months in advance and may not be a direct reaction to the new treaty.

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China would have planned the test for months and that it likely was not a direct response to the treaty signed today.