China's Missile Test Draws Criticism from Australia and Solomon Islands

(CNA, Reporter Chiu Te-chen, Sydney, July 7) A Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy strategic nuclear submarine test-fired a submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead in the Pacific Ocean on July 6. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described Beijing's action as "provocative," while Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare stated that China's behavior is "not the act of a friendly nation."

According to a report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) today, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is currently visiting the Solomon Islands, said that China's missile test is a "provocative" act that undermines regional stability. Prime Minister Sogavare, speaking alongside Albanese, criticized China's use of threatening tactics, which he said are detrimental to the Solomon Islands' security and stability and are not friendly actions.

Both Albanese and Sogavare mentioned that Australia and the Solomon Islands have lodged protests with China regarding the missile test. Albanese stated, "We (Australia) have clearly communicated our concerns to the Chinese government through officials in Beijing and Canberra, and I reiterate these concerns here in Honiara (the capital of the Solomon Islands)."

Albanese said that China's missile test undermines regional security. "We do not want to see any actions that destabilize or harm the peace and security of the Pacific region." He also pointed out that, unlike standard missile test procedures, China did not provide 48 hours' notice to Australia before the test, calling it "an undoubtedly provocative act that destabilizes the (Pacific) region."

Australian Minister for Defence Richard Marles said that Australia is committed to working with regional nations to "build a peaceful Pacific." He described China's missile test as "very concerning and highly destabilizing."

Furthermore, the report indicated that Sogavare, in his capacity as the current chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, criticized China's missile test, saying, "China has been a good friend to the Solomon Islands, but this is not how a friend behaves. This is an action that is detrimental to our region."

Sogavare stated, "I lodged a strong protest with the Chinese Ambassador yesterday, and the Solomon Islands has submitted a protest note. We do not want to see any country, whether it be China, the United States, or any other country, test-firing missiles. That is the bottom line." (Editor: Chang Chih-hsuan) 1150707)

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