China test fires missile into Pacific, sparks alarm

China's military conducted a missile launch from a nuclear-powered submarine into the Pacific on Monday, a move that has sparked alarm and criticism from Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. State media reported the People's Liberation Army Navy submarine launched a missile with a dummy warhead toward international waters.

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destabilising

While China's official Xinhua news agency stated the launch was part of routine annual training, complied with international law, and was not directed at any specific country, regional powers expressed concern. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong described the test as "destabilizing" and noted it occurred in the context of China's rapid military buildup, which she said lacks transparency.

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in the context of a rapid military build-up by China, which is lacking in the transparency and reassurance as to intent that the region expects

The missile test followed closely on the heels of Australia and Fiji signing a major defense alliance, committing mutual aid in case of attack. This development highlights the ongoing competition for influence in the strategically important South Pacific islands between Beijing and Western powers led by the U.S. and Australia.

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interesting, to say the least.

New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters also voiced deep concern, noting that China proceeded with the test shortly after informing New Zealand. Analysts suggest the timing of China's notification, after the Australia-Fiji defense pact was signed, was "interesting."

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It appears that despite our long-standing concerns about this type of activity, China carried out the test within hours of informing us