China Conducts Underwater Missile Test Amid New Pacific Defense Pact with Fiji

China reported that one of its submarines launched a ballistic missile with a dummy warhead into the Pacific Ocean.

Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, labeled the activity “destabilising” for the region, while Beijing characterised it as a routine component of its annual military programme. The launch took place shortly after Australia formalised a new defence agreement with Fiji.

The Oceania Peace Alliance, Australia’s fourth such treaty after the United States, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, commits more than $1 billion over ten years for Fiji’s crime‑prevention, health and infrastructure initiatives.

Chinese officials had previously informed regional governments of planned sea‑based drills, which they said were “not directed against any specific country or target.” Chinese state media presented the exercises as standard annual training.

In Suva, Ms Wong described the missile launch as occurring “in the context of a rapid military buildup by China” and stressed the need for greater transparency and reassurance for Indo‑Pacific nations.

Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka characterised the treaty as a defining moment that “significantly elevates” bilateral ties, while noting that it does not jeopardise Fiji’s relationship with China.

Earlier, Australia signed a comprehensive strategic pact with Vanuatu, recognizing Australia as Vanuatu’s primary policing partner and prohibiting foreign military bases on the island.

Albanese’s Pacific tour continued with stops in the Solomon Islands and upcoming meetings in Brisbane with leaders of Tonga, Samoa and Papua New Guinea, where the PukPuk treaty grants Canberra access to PNG’s military facilities.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has described the regional rivalry with China as a “permanent contest” in the Indo‑Pacific.

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