China conducted a submarine-launched ballistic missile test in the Pacific Ocean, drawing condemnation from regional neighbors including Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. The launch occurred hours after Australia formalized a new defense pact, the "Ocean of Peace Alliance," with Fiji. Beijing characterized the missile test as a routine part of its annual military program, but Canberra described it as "destabilizing" the region.
Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing