Australia has condemned China's recent long-range missile test, with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles describing the development as "deeply destabilising." Speaking to ABC News, Marles dismissed suggestions the test was timed in response to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's Pacific visit to finalise a new defence alliance with Fiji, but he underscored Canberra's profound unease.
Marles said Beijing's own acknowledgment that the weapon is nuclear-capable demonstrates a worrying expansion in its ability to deploy such arms. He stressed that Australia's fundamental concern centres on China's rapid military buildup, which has proceeded without what he called "strategic reassurance" to neighbouring countries. The government sees no clear rationale for the scale of these capabilities.
The test comes as Albanese finalises a new defence pact with Fiji, part of Canberra's broader push to strengthen security ties across the Pacific. Marles framed the missile launch as a regional challenge that transcends any single summit or diplomatic gesture. China has not yet responded publicly to Australia's characterisation of the event.
Analysts suggest the incident could accelerate defence cooperation between Pacific island nations and Australia. China's growing military reach has already prompted closer security coordination among Canberra, Washington, and regional partners. Marles indicated the government would continue to press Beijing for transparency.
Critics caution that Australia's rhetoric risks escalating tensions without clear diplomatic off-ramps. Some Pacific leaders may also chafe at being drawn into what they see as a Beijing-Canberra rivalry that does not directly serve their interests.