China tests long-range missile in South Pacific in move Australia condemns as ‘destabilising to region’

<p>Launch comes just hours after Australia and Fiji sign defence agreement as expert says timing not a coincidence</p><p>China has conducted a long-range missile test in the South Pacific just hours after Australia signed a defence agreement with Fiji, sparking condemnation from Canberra and regional leaders.</p><p>The Australian foreign minister, Penny Wong, said the missile test was “destabilising” to the region, while her New Zealand counterpart, Winston Peters, described it as “deeply concerning”.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/06/china-missile-test-south-pacific">Continue reading...</a>