00:00China has test-fired a missile from a nuclear submarine into the Pacific Ocean,
00:05drawing criticism from countries across the region.
00:08Beijing says the launch was part of its annual military training
00:12and was not aimed at any specific country.
00:17Chinese state media said the missile, carrying a dummy warhead,
00:21was fired just after midday local time and landed in designated international waters.
00:27Australia, Japan and New Zealand said they were notified before the launch,
00:32but all voiced concern.
00:34I can confirm that the Australian government has been advised by the government of the People's Republic of China
00:42of their intent to conduct a sea-based missile test into the Pacific.
00:49Australia has been clear with China that we regard this as destabilising to the region.
00:54Australia has been clear that this proposed test is in the context of a rapid military build-up by China,
01:03which is lacking in the transparency and reassurance as to intent that the region expects.
01:09The test came just hours after Australia and Fiji signed a major defence alliance,
01:15committing each country to come to the other's aid in the event of an attack.
01:19It is rare for China to fire long-range missiles into the sea.
01:24China last tested an intercontinental ballistic missile in 2024,
01:28a launch that highlighted the country's increasing military capabilities.
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