There’s an adage in diplomacy that international affairs are often governed by the principle of speaking softly while carrying a big stick.China’s rhetoric about friendship with Australia sounds increasingly hollow after its provocative move on Monday. Launching a nuclear-capable ballistic missile test into the South Pacific – coinciding with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s islands tour to deepen defence and security deals – is a brazen show of China’s military muscle.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles
China’s missiles sank its Pacific charm offensive
Beijing should be well aware that firing a weapon into the open ocean, thousands of kilometres from its mainland, is deeply provocative.
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