Australia has received a warning that China is preparing to conduct a nuclear-capable missile test in the South Pacific within the next 24 hours. The missile is expected to carry a dummy warhead, according to a high-level source cited by The Australian newspaper. Beijing reportedly provided briefings about the planned test to several governments on Monday.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong was among those who received advance notice of the planned launch. The exact timing and location of the test remain undisclosed. One source suggested the missile test could be a retaliatory measure following the signing of the Ocean of Peace Alliance between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on Monday.
This newly formed alliance includes mutual defense obligations, stipulating that an armed attack on any party within the Pacific would be considered detrimental to the peace, security, and stability of the region. The agreement is also open for accession by other Pacific nations.
Australia currently holds mutual defense pacts with the United States, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea, known as the PukPuk treaty, which is set to take effect on Wednesday. In an effort to strengthen key regional relationships, Albanese is also scheduled to host the leaders of Papua New Guinea and Tonga in Brisbane during the final State of Origin game on Wednesday.
Following his visit to Fiji, Albanese is expected to travel to the Solomon Islands to meet with Prime Minister Matthew Wale. This meeting follows an agreement between the two nations to pursue further discussions on a security deal. Albanese is also slated to attend the Solomon Islands' 48th Independence Day celebrations in Honiara on Tuesday.
These diplomatic engagements occur after Australia finalized a significant security agreement with Vanuatu, referred to as the Nakamal Agreement. Under this $500 million deal, Port Vila has committed to prohibiting foreign military bases on its territory.