HARIANEXPRESS – Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong raised concerns over China’s recent missile test in the South Pacific, describing the launch as ‘destabilizing’. Her remarks came during a meeting with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Manila on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Australia also criticized China’s ‘dangerous conduct’ following a recent clash involving sailors in the South China Sea.
Australia Expresses Strong Concerns Over Missile Launch
A Chinese submarine earlier this month launched a ballistic missile fitted with a dummy warhead, which traveled deep into the Pacific Ocean. Monitors suggested the rocket landed in an area of the ocean somewhere between Solomon Islands, Nauru, and Tuvalu.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized that Australia had directly conveyed its view to China. She expressed these sentiments to reporters at the Southeast Asian ministers’ meeting in the Philippines.
“We have made clear publicly and directly to China that we regard the missile test as destabilizing and we… put that directly to Foreign Minister Wang Yi in my discussions (with him) yesterday,” she told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting of Southeast Asian ministers in the Philippines.
Wong reiterated Australia’s desire for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region. She stressed the importance of all powers, particularly great powers, adhering to international law.
“We want a region which is peaceful, stable and prosperous. We want a region where countries, all powers, including great powers, observe international law and, in particular, the law of the sea,” she said.
Australia previously stated it did not receive adequate notice of the missile test. A dozen Pacific Island countries have also condemned the test, citing it as a violation of the region’s wish to remain free from nuclear weapons testing.
Concerns Over South China Sea Incident
On Monday, July 20, 2026, an incident occurred at Second Thomas Shoal, where a Philippine sailor was reportedly struck on the head with a baton. The Australian Foreign Minister also addressed this event when questioned by reporters.
Wong reiterated Australia’s serious concerns regarding behavior that is both destabilizing and risky in the disputed waters. Her remarks came a day after she had slammed China’s ‘dangerous conduct’ following the clash between Philippine and Chinese sailors.
On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, during a visit to a Philippine coast guard vessel, Wong announced a significant donation. This included 413 million pesos ($6.7 million) worth of advanced drone technology and operator training for the Philippine Coast Guard.
