Chinese Missile Test Lands Near Tuvalu Exclusive Economic Zone

A Chinese submarine test-fired a nuclear-capable ballistic missile that flew over several Pacific island nations before landing in waters near Tuvalu's exclusive economic zone. The missile carried a dummy warhead and crossed the exclusive economic zones of the Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, and Kiribati before splashing down roughly 1,000 kilometres north-east of Solomon Islands.

Marles called the launch "very concerning and deeply destabilising" and noted the demonstrated range and submarine launch method. " Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said the launch was "not the actions of a friend" and called for higher defence spending.

Australia said it received only hours' notice before the launch, which Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy said did not follow the Haig Convention. Shadow Defence Minister James Paterson described the test as consistent with China's broader approach to the region. No Pacific island governments have issued public statements on the test so far.