Penny Wong, Foreign Minister: Thanks very much for coming. I can confirm that the Australian Government has been advised by the government of the People's Republic of China of their intent to conduct a sea-based missile test into the Pacific. Australia has been clear with China that we regard this as destabilising to the region. Australia has been clear that this proposal, this proposed test, is in the context of a rapid military build-up by China, which is lacking in the transparency and reassurance as to intent, that the region expects. I would make this point, the Pacific Islands Forum leaders have made clear that they want the Pacific to be an Ocean of Peace. We believe this test is inconsistent with that objective. Happy to take questions.
Journalist: Minister, I was told that it was a nuclear capable missile. Is that also the information that you have? And do you think that this will give other Pacific nations sort of cause to have second thoughts about doing alliances with Australia?
Foreign Minister: In relation to the first, it certainly is a sea-based missile test. In relation to the second, I would make this point, this underscores the need for countries of the region to work together. This underscores the imperative of countries of the region to work together to ensure that it is Pacific countries who determine our futures, because we want the Pacific to remain an Ocean of Peace.
Journalist: Minister, obviously the timing, the notification coming on the day that the alliance has been signed with Fiji, will catch a lot of attention, but this would have been presumably planned for quite some time. Does the Government see any signalling on China's behalf here to send any sort of message, or do you believe the two are basically unconnected?
Foreign Minister: I’ll leave it to China to speak to its intent. I would make the point, we've been aware of the task group in the region for some time. And we are also very clear that it is important for Australia and all of the countries in the Pacific Islands Forum to work together to determine our own futures. And the Forum has made very clear it sees this region as an Ocean of Peace.
Journalist: And are you able to confirm when the test will be taken?
Foreign Minister: The notification to us is within the next 24 hours. Thank you.