By Renju Jose and Pete Mckenzie
SYDNEY, July 6 (Reuters) – China is preparing to test fire a nuclear-capable ballistic missile with a dummy warhead in the South Pacific in the next 24 hours, Australian media reported on Monday, adding that regional diplomats have been notified of the launch.
The report comes after Australia and Fiji signed a major defence alliance earlier in the day, committing each country to come to the other’s aid in case either is attacked.
The Sydney Morning Herald and The Australian newspapers both reported that Chinese officials briefed regional governments, including Australia, about an upcoming intercontinental ballistic missile test in the Pacific.
The Chinese embassy in Australia did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
China last tested an intercontinental ballistic missile in 2024, a rare event that highlighted the country’s increasing military capabilities.
Data from Starboard Maritime Intelligence, a New Zealand ship tracking company, showed three Chinese satellite-tracking vessels positioned throughout the Pacific.
Two vessels departed China around June 25 and currently sit near the Federated States of Micronesia. The third departed China in early May and is currently at harbour in Fiji’s capital, Suva.
“These vessels carry large satellite dishes used to track missile launches and other space activity and are likely in the Pacific to collect data from the missile test China has reportedly notified regional governments to expect within 24 hours,” said Mark Douglas, an analyst for Starboard.
Noting the departure times of the Chinese vessels, he added, “This test has been planned well in advance. That said, the notification landing the day after Australia and Fiji signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance is interesting, to say the least.”
(Reporting by Renju Jose and Pete McKenzie in Sydney; Writing by Alasdair Pal; Editing by Tom Hogue and Thomas Derpinghaus)
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