Key Developments
On 7 July 2026, Ministers and Assistant Ministers (DFAT) said Assistant Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Matt Thistlethwaite was disappointed by China's missile test in the Pacific and called for greater notice to affected countries, while citing Australia's plan to add $50 billion in defence spending over the next decade.
Key Statistics
- $50 billion in additional Australian defence spending over the next decade, according to Ministers and Assistant Ministers (DFAT).
- Historical: $1 billion in Fiji alliance funding over a decade, according to Ministers and Assistant Ministers (DFAT).
Main Body
On 7 July 2026, Ministers and Assistant Ministers (DFAT) said Assistant Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Matt Thistlethwaite had expressed disappointment over China's missile test in the Pacific and had urged greater advance notice to countries affected by such activity.
Ministers and Assistant Ministers (DFAT) said Thistlethwaite linked the concern to Australia's defence posture, including an additional $50 billion in defence spending over the next decade, missile and drone capability development, and closer alliance work in the Pacific.
The position followed related Australian statements on 6 July 2026, when Ministers and Assistant Ministers (DFAT) said Australia was deeply concerned by the missile test, had urged China to follow international protocols, and planned to raise the issue with China's ambassador. On the same day, the Minister for Foreign Affairs said Australia would work with Fiji and other Pacific countries to support regional peace and stability.
The development mattered for Pacific security because Ministers and Assistant Ministers (DFAT) presented the missile test as an issue requiring clearer communication with affected states, while the Minister for Foreign Affairs described cooperation with Fiji as part of Australia's effort to keep the region stable.
