China tests long-range missile in South Pacific in move Australia condemns as ‘destabilising to region’

China has conducted a missile test in the South Pacific. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images View image in fullscreen China has conducted a missile test in the South Pacific. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images China tests long-range missile in South Pacific in move Australia condemns as ‘destabilising to region’ Launch comes just hours after Australia and Fiji sign defence agreement as expert says timing not a coincidence China has conducted a long-range missile test in the South Pacific just hours after Australia signed a defence agreement with Fiji, sparking condemnation from Canberra and regional leaders. The Australian foreign minister, Penny Wong , said the missile test was “destabilising” to the region, while her New Zealand counterpart, Winston Peters, described it as “deeply concerning”. A Chinese navy statement said a nuclear submarine launched a “strategic missile carrying a training simulation warhead” on Monday, adding it had “accurately land(ed) in the designated sea area”. “This missile test launch is a routine arrangement of China’s annual military training, and relevant countries were informed in advance,” spokesperson Wang Xuemeng said in the WeChat statement. China’s defence ministry did not confirm whether an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was used in Monday’s test. Australia and Fiji sign surprise defence alliance amid push to limit China’s influence in the Pacific Read more The exact location of the test was unknown. The New Zealand government said it was informed of the planned launch hours beforehand, and noted that it was fired into the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone. The ⁠test came just hours after Australia and Fiji signed a major defence alliance , committing each country to come ⁠to the other’s aid in the event of an attack. The so-called Ocean of Peace alliance, which is open to other countries to join in the future, is part of Australia’s efforts to deepen ties in the Pacific and push back at Beijing’s attempts to expand its influence in the region. Malcolm Davis, a senior defence analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, was certain the timing of the test was not a coincidence. “[The test] is clearly an indication that China will use military force, or the threat of military force, to try to intimidate and coerce small Pacific states into not seeking closer relations with Australia,” he said. Sign up for the Breaking News Australia email Australia’s assistant foreign minister, Matt Thistlethwaite, told the ABC the government did not believe there was a link between the alliance announcement and the test. But another federal government source told the Guardian they believed the events were linked. China’s ministry of foreign affairs said the launch was “not directed at any specific country or target”. “Related launch operations were conducted safely, in a standardised manner and professionally. It is hoped that relevant countries will not over-interpret this,” spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters. The Chin