Australia presses China over submarine-launched ballistic missile test during Beijing defence talks, warns of regional escalation risks

Australia raised concerns with Chinese officials after a submarine-launched ballistic missile test, warning that such activity can increase escalation risk and strategic uncertainty across the Indo-Pacific. Discussing the event during defense talks in Beijing gave Canberra a direct channel to seek transparency about notification, intent and the safe conduct of long-range weapons testing. The exchange also reflects the broader significance of China’s improving sea-based nuclear deterrent: more survivable submarines and missiles complicate regional warning, crisis management and allied planning even when a launch is conducted as a test.