Australia voices concern over China's Pacific intercontinental missile launch

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday expressed concern over China's recent launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) over the Pacific Ocean, local media reported.

During a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Vientiane, Laos, Albanese discussed both bilateral and regional matters, as reported by ABC News.

"China put forward its perspective and I put forward Australia's ... our position in private is the same as our position in public which is (that) international law must be respected," Albanese stated.

Last month, China carried out its first intercontinental ballistic missile launch in 44 years. Following the test, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Col. Zhang Xiaogang defended the test, calling it "fully legitimate" and "reasonable."

Albanese described his meeting with Li as "productive and important," adding that the export of Australian lobster to China would resume before the Lunar New Year.

Li thanked Albanese for the warm hospitality extended during his visit to Australia in June, calling the visit a great success that garnered significant attention in both countries.

"It is gratifying to know that over the past weeks and months, China-Australia relations are on the whole, continue to move forward in a positive direction," Li said in his opening remarks, according to a transcript released by the Australian prime minister's office.

Albanese also noted the recent revival of ministerial exchanges and a meeting between the top diplomats of both countries in New York.

"As l've said many times, dialogue is crucial, and peace and stability take work," Albanese added, confirming that he plans to visit China next year for the Annual Leaders Dialogue.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid