Australia, Solomon Islands Strengthen Ties After China’s Pacific Missile Test

Australia and the Solomon Islands have pledged to deepen their bilateral partnership by advancing negotiations on a new comprehensive treaty, a move that comes just one day after China conducted an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test in the Pacific, raising fresh security concerns across the region.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in Honiara on Tuesday for talks with newly elected Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale. During the visit, Albanese emphasized Australia’s commitment to strengthening regional security and cooperation, stating that Australia’s security begins in the Pacific and reaffirming Canberra’s support for its Pacific neighbors.

The diplomatic push follows China’s test launch of an ICBM from a nuclear-powered submarine, marking Beijing’s first such test since 2024. The missile reportedly flew over the Philippines before landing in the Pacific Ocean between Tonga and Nauru, according to Taiwan National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu. Wu criticized the launch, describing it as another example of China’s growing military assertiveness.

China, however, urged countries not to overreact. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing hoped the missile test would not be “over-interpreted.”

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles warned that the launch highlights China’s expanding long-range military capabilities and called the development “deeply destabilising.” A recent report by the Lowy Institute also projected that China’s ability to strike Australia militarily will increase significantly over the coming decade.

The Solomon Islands remains a key focus in the Pacific’s strategic landscape after signing a security agreement with China in 2022, a move that prompted concern from Australia and the United States. Since taking office in May, Prime Minister Wale has signaled plans to review the China security pact while pursuing a broader partnership with Australia.

Australia has recently expanded its regional engagement by signing new agreements with Fiji and Vanuatu, reinforcing efforts to strengthen security cooperation across the Pacific. Although China remains Australia’s largest trading partner, Canberra continues to counter Beijing’s growing influence by building closer ties with Pacific island nations and discouraging any permanent Chinese military presence in the South Pacific.