China conducts missile tests in Pacific following Australia-Fiji alliance signing

China carried out a test launch of a ballistic missile from a submarine into Pacific Ocean, right as Australia finalized a defense pact with Fiji. This missile test has sparked criticism from Australia, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressing worries about China's transparency regarding its military operations.

BRIC Team

Jul 6, 2026 · 2 min read

China conducts missile tests in Pacific following Australia-Fiji alliance signing

Key Takeaways

•China launched a ballistic missile equipped with a dummy warhead into the Pacific Ocean amid rising regional tensions.
•Australia's new defense pact with Fiji includes over $1 billion in spending over the next decade.
•Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka called the treaty a 'defining moment' for his country.
•Albanese's Pacific diplomacy includes a strategic pact with Vanuatu, recognizing Australia as its primary policing partner.
•The PukPuk treaty allows Australia access to Papua New Guinea's military facilities and enlistment of up to 10,000 Papua New Guineans.

A missile launch by China from a submarine in Pacific Ocean stirred tensions just as Australia and Fiji inked a new defense deal. The test, involving a ballistic missile with a dummy warhead, follows Australia's latest international defense moves.

A senior Australian official flagged concerns over China's military actions, describing the test as part of Beijing's fast military buildup that remains opaque. But China called launch routine, part of its annual drills, insisting no specific nation was the target.

At same time, Australia secured its Ocean of Peace Alliance with Fiji — first for the Pacific island nation in formal defense ties. This adds to Australia's partnerships with U.S., New Zealand,Papua New Guinea. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized treaty's importance, committing over $1 billion over a decade to fight transnational crime, improve health, infrastructure in Fiji.

In Suva,Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka called the pact big step for Fiji, strengthening diplomatic bonds. When asked about China's reaction, Rabuka suggested Beijing won't see it as a threat, hinting China might even welcome closer Fiji-Australia ties.

Albanese isn't stopping with Fiji. Just last week he signed a strategic deal with Vanuatu, a notable boost for Australia's regional diplomacy. This agreement makes Australia Vanuatu's main security partner, banning foreign military bases there .

Albanese is set to visit Solomon Islands next to meet Prime Minister Matthew Wale. Wale criticized Solomon Islands' security pact with China and hinted at a regional security agreement during his Australia trip .

Wednesday,leaders from Tonga, Samoa, Papua New Guinea will meet in Brisbane. This coincides with PukPuk treaty launch,letting Australia use PNG's military facilities and recruit up to 10,000 PNG personnel into Australian forces.

As Australia tightens Pacific ties, a senior official noted last month that Australia,China are locked in regional rivalry. China's missile test shows rising tensions and military moves as nations chase their interests in this strategic region…