Australia
Beijing set to launch long-range intercontinental ballistic missile into South Pacific
Diplomats in the region have been told that China is preparing to test a nuclear-capable long-range missile with a dummy warhead in the South Pacific within the next 24 hours.
The news, delivered to regional governments on Monday afternoon, came just hours after Australia and Fiji formed a new defense alliance.
Diplomatic sources confirmed to this imprint that Chinese officials have informed various regional governments, including Australia, about the upcoming intercontinental ballistic missile test in the Pacific.
China had previously tested an intercontinental ballistic missile in the Pacific Ocean in September 2024; this was the first test since 1980.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong’s office has been contacted for comment.
More to come
Matthew Knott is the foreign affairs and national security correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.Connect with: X, Facebook or email.
Lisa Visentin is the North Asia correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, based in Beijing. He was previously a federal political correspondent in Canberra.Connect with: X or email.
