China: Don’t read too much into nuclear missile test
Tuesday, 7 July 2026
China is pushing back against protests about Monday’s nuclear missile test in the South Pacific, saying it hopes upset countries don’t “read too much into it”.
News of the missile test with a dummy warhead broke just hours after Australia and Fiji announced a new defence pact, which New Zealand appears interested in joining.
While New Zealand and Australia were given a heads up, both have strongly condemned the activity and expressed concern it’s part of “a recurring pattern by China”, after it fired an intercontinental ballistic missile into the South Pacific in 2024.
Monday’s test also comes after a flotilla of Chinese warships conducting live-firing exercises showed up - unannounced - in the Tasman Sea in early February last year.
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China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Mao Ning, said the latest test was a routine military training activity that was not directed at any specific country or target.
“The countries concerned were informed prior to the launch. It is consistent with international law and customary international practice.
“The whole process was safe, standard and professional. We hope relevant countries will not read too much into it.”’
Asked about Australia’s fresh defence pact with Fiji, Ning’s response was curt.
“We do not engage in geopolitical rivalry or seek selfish political gains,” she said.
“It is hoped that the country concerned will truly respect the independence of Pacific island nations, focus on their sustainable socio-economic development, and avoid targeting any third party or harming the interests of any third party.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has described Monday’s missile test as an “unwelcome and concerning development”.
“We, like our neighbours in other Pacific countries, have no interest in China using the South Pacific as a testing site for missile capability.
“Launching ballistic missiles into the South Pacific is at odds with the spirit and intent of the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace.
“This missile was fired into the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone established by the Treaty of Rarotonga. China’s action goes against the object and intent of that Treaty.”
Peters said the Pacific region would not sit by and allow such tests to be normalised or routine.
“We will be talking with our Pacific partners about this development. Pacific leaders have been clear we do not want to see the region become a theatre for outside military competition.”
“New Zealand will continue monitoring the situation in close coordination with regional partner.”