A conservative Australian politician has raised concerns about a potential link between China's recent missile test and a widespread telecommunications outage that affected millions of customers.
One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce suggested the possibility that China's test launch of a nuclear-capable missile in the Pacific Ocean could be connected to the nationwide Telstra outage on Wednesday. Telstra, Australia's largest telecommunications company, experienced a failure that prevented customers from making phone calls, accessing mobile data, or using electronic payment systems.
Telstra CFO Michael Ackland stated during a press conference that the outage was caused by a software update, but the exact reason for the failure remains unknown. Ackland also confirmed that there were no indications of malicious activity.
Despite Telstra's explanation, Joyce called for an investigation into the matter. He pointed out that the outage occurred days after China launched an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific. "I hope it's just a coincidence about the intercontinental ballistic missile that went into the Pacific," Joyce told Sky News. He added, "I don't want to be paranoid or conspiracy theorist, but we know there is the capacity for… China to affect that sort of software and that sort of network, and I hope that that's investigated and cleared as not part of the process."
China's state-owned media outlet Xinhua reported that the missile launch was part of a "military training program." The missile reportedly landed in a designated area between Nauru and Tuvalu. Beijing had provided prior notification of the test to governments in the region.
The missile launch has drawn criticism from other Australian political figures. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles expressed concern over China's actions, though he insisted it was not linked to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's recent visit to the region. Foreign Minister Penny Wong described the launch as destabilizing to the region, and Shadow Foreign Minister Ted O'Brien called it "irresponsible" and "not welcome."
Michael Shoebridge, director of the Strategic Analysis Australia think tank, commented on the missile's capabilities, noting it has a 10,000km range and is nuclear-capable, potentially reaching major Australian cities from China.