Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong meets China’s counterpart Wang Yi in Manila and raises concerns about a recent Chinese submarine ballistic missile test, according to reporting from both outlets. Wong links the discussion to broader security and stability in the Pacific, while also stressing the importance of peace in the region during face-to-face talks held on the sidelines of Asean activity.
Wong criticises what she describes as “destabilising and dangerous conduct” by China following a clash involving forces near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea. One report notes that the Philippines and China exchange diplomatic protests, with each side summoning the other’s ambassador after the Philippines says a Filipino sailor was struck by a baton by China Coast Guard personnel while approaching a vessel that has long served as a Philippine garrison.
A separate report adds that Australia specifically protests Beijing’s missile test, which involves a nuclear-capable ballistic missile launched from a Chinese submarine with a dummy warhead. Wong calls for “safe and professional” conduct and urges transparency and reassurance of intent.
