Anthony Albanese condemns China missile tests as Pacific leaders accuse Beijing of ‘disrespect’

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued an unequivocal rebuke of China over its controversial ballistic missile tests in the Pacific, as regional leaders warn they will not tolerate their homes being “threatened and really disrespected”.

Speaking alongside Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr on the final day of the Pacific Islands Forum, Mr Albanese rejected comparisons between Chinese and US missile testing in the region.

“The US gives proper notice as an agreement with the Marshall Islands.

“What we saw with the Chinese tests was a firing of a missile with very little notice, certainly not what is expected internationally, from a submarine which went across and landed in the Pacific near Nauru, near Tuvalu, with no respect for those nations.”