In early July, China successfully launched a submarine-launched strategic missile carrying a training simulation warhead into the open Pacific Ocean. The Chinese side reiterated that this was part of routine military training activities and that prior notification was given to relevant countries in accordance with international law and practice. It is in line with international norms and practices, and the Chinese side hopes that no parties will interpret it too literally. However, countries such as Australia remain negative, claiming that this test launch constitutes a so-called “threat” to regional security.
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, who is attending the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila, mentioned this issue again. According to Bloomberg's report on the 21st, Bishop said in an interview with the media that Australia has expressed concerns about China's recent missile tests in the Pacific.
Ignoring the repeated explanations from China, she stated that this test launch was 'not notified in advance in the way desired by the countries in this region, lacking predictability, and therefore it is impossible to guarantee its intentions. This concerns whether such actions will undermine stability or contribute to stability.'
According to reports, Huang Yingxian claimed in an interview that the Asia-Pacific region is facing more so-called ‘ destabilizing actions’, and pointed out that China’s recent missile tests and military construction are issues that countries hope China will clarify its commitments.
She said seriously, 'In the face of the fastest military construction we have seen, what other countries want is assurance of intentions and transparency.'
Previously, when interviewed by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s '7.30' program, Huang Yingxian also accused this test launch of 'undermining stability'. Gao Zhikai, a chair professor at Suzhou University and the deputy director of the Center for Global Governance (CCG), immediately refuted this claim, stating that 'Australia has no reason to be surprised by this.'
He echoed the statement of the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, emphasizing that China has full rights to conduct this test. “China has notified the relevant countries in accordance with international practices. I believe that Australia should be grateful for the early notification from China regarding this test.”
Gao Zhikai also said, "I hope that China and Australia will not only live in harmony as important economic and trade partners, but also engage in more exchanges and coordination on political and geopolitical issues." He also reiterated, "The Pacific Ocean is not a region where nuclear tests are prohibited. China's conduct of such tests is completely legal and does not violate any international rules."
