News live: Marles says Australia has expressed concern over China missile test as Taiwan criticises ‘provocation’

According to The Guardian, Australia has voiced deep concern over a long-range Chinese missile test in the Pacific, one that Beijing itself describes as nuclear capable. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles called the launch destabilising, pointing to what he framed as a dramatic Chinese military buildup with little strategic reassurance to neighbours. Foreign Minister Penny Wong warned the test was a destabilising act that could lead to miscalculation, and Taiwan criticised it as a provocation. Marles said he doubted the timing was a direct response to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese being in the region to sign a new defence alliance with Fiji, but stressed there was no clear explanation for why China is developing such capabilities.

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