China test-fires nuclear-capable missile into Pacific Ocean hours after Australia and Fiji sign treaty

China has test-fired a nuclear-capable missile into the Pacific Ocean just hours after Australia and Fiji struck an historic military alliance that compels both nations to “act to meet the common danger” if either is attacked.

On Monday the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy announced it had conducted a successful firing of a submarine nuclear strategic missile carrying a dummy warhead.

According to the PLA-N’s statement, the test was conducted at noon Beijing time and the missile landed “precisely in the designated waters”, but did not elaborate on its specific location in the Pacific.

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, who was in Suva to oversee the signing of the new defence pact with Fiji, said the action was “destabilising to the region” and “lacking in the transparency and reassurance as to intent”.

“This underscores the imperative of countries of the region to work together to ensure that it is Pacific countries who determine our futures, because we want the Pacific to remain an ocean of peace,” Senator Wong told reporters.

The Coalition also expressed its concerns over China’s “destabilising, threatening and unwelcome” missile test.

Earlier in the day Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka signed “The Ocean of Peace Alliance” which could eventually be expanded to include other Pacific neighbours.

Backed by more than $1 billion in funding from the Albanese Government over the next decade, the agreement will see Fiji join the US, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea as Australia’s fourth formal treaty partner.

Also known as the Veitacini Treaty, the sweeping pact is similar to the Pukpuk treaty struck by the Albanese Government with Papua New Guinea just eight months ago, which will come into force this week.

Among the 16 articles agreed to in the comprehensive treaty document, are the following key elements:

“Article 5: Consultation — In the event of a security-related development that threatens the sovereignty, peace or stability of a Party, the Parties shall consult at the request of any Party and consider whether any measures should be taken in relation to the threat.

“Article 6: Mutual defence — Each Party recognises that an armed attack on any of the Parties within the Pacific would be dangerous to each other’s peace and security as well as the security of the Pacific, and declares that it would act to meet the common danger, in accordance with its domestic processes.”

A separate Vuvale Union covering the economy, climate, health and migration, including a provision to expand visa access to Australia by Fijians, was also inked by the leaders following a traditional kava welcoming ceremony.

“These treaties represent one of the most significant endeavours Australia has ever undertaken in our history with any country,” Mr Albanese declared, standing next to his Fijian host.

Mr Rabuka said he expected other nations would seek to join the Ocean of Peace Alliance, telling reporters: “I’m sure right now there are other Pacific leaders who are waiting to come in. The more, the stronger, the better.”

Before confirmation of Beijing’s missile test, the Fijian Prime Minister said he was not anticipating any retaliation from China for signing a defence pact with Australia.

“I do not expect China to have any severe pushback on either government. And I believe that they will welcome the understanding that is between Australia and Fiji,” Mr Rabuka said.

“It is not threatening Fiji’s relationship with China, nor Australia’s relationship with China. We have made it very clear in the past, your enemies are not necessarily my enemies.”

Shadow foreign affairs minister Ted O’Brien and shadow defence minister James Paterson welcomed the treaty with Fiji saying: “these agreements reflect the deep and enduring ties” between both countries that had been “built over many decades”.

“Australia’s partnership with Fiji is built on mutual benefit, shared interests and history, deep people-to-people links and a common stake in the future of the region,” the Liberal frontbenchers said in a joint statement on Monday.

However Opposition sources noted that the Albanese Government had not consulted or briefed the Coalition before the signings, just as they were shut out before the PNG deal last year.

“Given the importance of bipartisan support to make alliances work, it’s pretty terrible form. We had the courtesy to brief them on AUKUS before it was announced,” one Coalition figure observed privately.

The Coalition also expressed its concerns over China’s nuclear-capable missile test, highlighting the lack of notice for nations in the Pacific region.

“The Coalition is deeply concerned by the revelations today that the People’s Liberation Army Navy, with only hours’ notice, has tested a nuclear-capable ballistic missile in the South Pacific,” it said in a statement.

“These actions by the People’s Republic of China are destabilising, threatening and unwelcome.

“The Coalition wants to see the South Pacific region remain peaceful and stable. The PRC’s actions today are not conducive to regional peace or prosperity.”