China tested a nuclear-capable long-range missile from a submarine in the South Pacific, sparking a row with Australia and the US.

This is not the first time China has conducted a missile test in the region – but the fact that it came just hours after Australia and Fiji signed a new defence pact has raised tensions.

Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defence Minister Richard Marles labelled the test 'destabilising and concerning'. The test sparked a heated debate on social media, with many calling it a 'provocation'.

But Australia's relationship with Fiji has improved in recent months. Fiji's Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed a new defence agreement on Tuesday morning, hours before China's missile test.

This new pact aims to enhance cooperation between the two countries on defence, security, and economic matters. Fiji's Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka said the agreement is a 'significant step' in Fiji's development.

Penny Wong said Australia is concerned about China's actions in the region. 'We urge China to engage in a dialogue to reduce tensions and promote stability in the region,' she said.

But China has not announced any immediate plans to meet with Australia.

The test has also raised concerns about the spread of nuclear technology in the South Pacific.

The region is home to several small island nations, many of which have close ties with Australia and the US. Fiji's agreement with Australia has raised hopes that other nations in the region may follow suit.

The test comes at a sensitive time for the region. Australia and the US have been trying to strengthen their security ties with Pacific nations in the face of China's growing influence.

The US has been keen to engage with Pacific nations on security and economic matters. Australia has also stepped up its presence in the region, with Defence Minister Richard Marles visiting several Pacific nations in recent months.

But the relationship between Australia and the US with Pacific nations is complex. Some nations have been critical of Australia's policies, particularly its handling of the Papua New Guinea election scandal.

China has been accused of interfering in the Papua New Guinea election, and Australia has been accused of failing to act decisively.

The missile test has also raised concerns about the potential for a nuclear conflict in the region.

The United States has a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in the region, and Australia has nuclear-powered submarines.

The test has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many calling it a 'provocation'.

But China has denied any wrongdoing, saying the test was a 'routine exercise'.

Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defence Minister Richard Marles have urged China to engage in a dialogue to reduce tensions and promote stability in the region.

The test has also raised concerns about the spread of nuclear technology in the South Pacific.

The region is home to several small island nations, many of which have close ties with Australia and the US.

Fiji's agreement with Australia has raised hopes that other nations in the region may follow suit.

The test comes at a sensitive time for the region. Australia and the US have been trying to strengthen their security ties with Pacific nations in the face of China's growing influence.

The region is also home to several major global players, including China, the US and Australia.

The missile test has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many calling it a 'provocation'.

China has been accused of interfering in the Papua New Guinea election, and Australia has been accused of failing to act decisively.

But the relationship between Australia and the US with Pacific nations is complex. Some nations have been critical of Australia's policies, particularly its handling of the Papua New Guinea election scandal.

The test has also raised concerns about the potential for a nuclear conflict in the region.

Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong has said the test 'raises questions about China's military doctrine and its intentions in the region.'

The US has also condemned the test, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging China 'to engage in a dialogue to reduce tensions and promote stability in the region.'

Fiji's Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka has defended the new defence pact with Australia, saying it is 'a significant step in Fiji's development.'

China has not announced any immediate plans to meet with Australia.

The test has also raised concerns about the spread of nuclear technology in the South Pacific.

The region is home to several small island nations, many of which have close ties with Australia and the US.

Fiji's agreement with Australia has raised hopes that other nations in the region may follow suit.

The test comes at a sensitive time for the region. Australia and the US have been trying to strengthen their security ties with Pacific nations in the face of China's growing influence.

The region is also home to several major global players, including China, the US and Australia.

The test has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many calling it a 'provocation'.

But China has denied any wrongdoing, saying the test was a 'routine exercise'.