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China launches nuclear-capable test missile after Australia defense deal

China launches nuclear-capable test missile hours after Australia signs defence dealChina tests missile in the Pacific hours after historic Australia-Fiji pact

China launched a nuclear-capable test missile in the Pacific on July 6, 2026, just hours after Australia and Fiji signed a historic defense pact.

This timing underscores the growing strategic friction between China and Western-aligned nations in the Indo-Pacific region, signaling that China views the new alliance as a direct challenge to its regional influence.

  • China's nuclear missile program has faced international scrutiny for decades due to its rapid modernization.
  • The Pacific Ocean is a key strategic zone for military testing and naval operations by major powers.
China launches nuclear-capable test missile after Australia defense deal | Implica