In a move set to stir regional tensions, China launched a missile soon after Australia sealed a defense deal with Fiji. It involved a long-range missile with a test payload. Beijing called it standard procedure,but nearby nations weren't pleased .
Australia's Defense Minister Richard Marles said China gave Canberra a heads-up shortly before launch. He pointed out potential threats to Pacific stability, seeing it as part of China's military growth. "We are very concerned about any actions which undermine stability,peace,and security of Pacific," Marles said.
New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters slammed the launch as "unwelcome and concerning," saying it will be a key topic in talks among Pacific allies. Japan,alerted only 90 minutes prior,urged China to rethink its military stance.
China's Foreign Ministry brushed off the criticism,calling the launch a routine drill that threatened no one. Spokeswoman Mao Ning said it was done safely and professionally, urging others not to overreact. "The related launch activity was conducted in a safe,regulated,and professional manner," she said.
Penny Wong,Australia’s Foreign Minister,attending Ocean of Peace Alliance signing in Suva,noted the test amid China's military buildup. She sees it as a regional security risk . The Fiji deal is Australia’s fourth defense pact,joining treaties with the United States,New Zealand,and Papua New Guinea. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese underscored the treaty's importance,pledging over $1 billion to Fiji over next decade for issues like crime,health,and infrastructure .
Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka called agreement a "defining moment" for relations,boosting ties between the nations. When asked about fallout from Beijing,Rabuka hoped China wouldn't see the alliance as a threat. "It does not threaten Fiji's relationship with China nor Australia's relationship with China," he said.
This agreement follows Australia’s recent strategic pact with Vanuatu,making Australia the main policing ally and banning foreign military bases on Vanuatu. Prime Minister Albanese continues his Pacific tour,heading to the Solomon Islands to meet Prime Minister Matthew Wale,a critic of China's regional influence. Wale eyes a regional security pact,noting shifting Pacific geopolitics…
