Australia is among more than 40 nations that have joined a United States call for advance notification of missile launches, a response to China's recent test of a nuclear-capable missile in the South Pacific.
In a joint statement published by the U.S. State Department, the countries urged "all relevant countries" to commit to providing at least 24 hours' notice of launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles and submarine-launched ballistic missiles to affected nations. The requirement is particularly emphasized for nuclear-weapon states.
This diplomatic push follows China's confirmation that it launched a nuclear-capable missile from a submarine into the South Pacific region. The missile test occurred in early July, just hours after Australia signed a mutual defense pact with Fiji. The launch is believed to have landed near Tuvalu.
Beijing faced international criticism for the missile test, prompting several Pacific Island nations to adopt a more public stance against China, which is a key economic partner for the region. The joint statement noted that "recent missile testing activity in the Pacific area did not follow the standard practices adopted by most states to notify and deconflict ... launches."
"Conducting nuclear-capable ballistic missile tests without sufficient advance notice and detail is dangerous and disrupts the peace and security of relevant nations in proximity to these tests," the statement read. It further cautioned that such actions "increase the risk of miscalculation, undermine global stability and security, and are incompatible with the responsibilities that come with possessing long-range missile capabilities."
Notifications should include details such as the "generic class of the ballistic missile or SLV (submarine-launched ballistic missiles), the planned launch notification window, the launch area, and the planned direction."
Among the regional signatories to the call for advance notice are Palau, the Marshall Islands, and New Zealand. Palau is scheduled to host the Pacific Islands Forum in September.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese were in Suva, Fiji, when the missile test took place. Senator Wong stated at the time that the Australian government had been notified in advance of the launch.