Australia raises concerns over Chinese missile test and regional maritime conduct

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has formally raised concerns with Beijing regarding a recent Chinese intercontinental ballistic missile test and ongoing maritime tensions in the South China Sea. During meetings on the sidelines of an ASEAN gathering in Manila this week, Minister Wong described the July 6 missile launch as a destabilizing act that lacked sufficient transparency and notification. The test, which involved a submarine-launched missile flying over parts of the Pacific, has drawn criticism from several regional nations that view such military displays as contrary to the goal of maintaining a peaceful and nuclear-free Pacific.