Gao Zhikai: China's missile test launch was proactively notified to Australia—Australia Should Be Grateful

After China's successful missile test launch, some countries became anxious, with Japan and Australia showing the most intense reactions.

Lately, Gao Zhikai, Deputy Director of the Center for Globalization at China, responded to this issue during an interview with Australian media.

In the interview, Professor Gao stated plainly: Australia should be thankful for our advance notification rather than blaming us unfairly. By voluntarily informing relevant countries about the impact zone and flight information, we demonstrated transparency and restraint as a major power, providing sufficient early warning time for neighboring nations—fully in line with international practice. Moreover, such legitimate military tests are not prohibited in the Pacific Ocean, and we have violated no rules whatsoever. It is unjustified for Australia to single-handedly criticize us.

The most critical point in the conversation was Professor Gao’s warning regarding Australia’s AUKUS nuclear submarine program.

The professor directly cautioned that Australia must cherish its status as a non-nuclear state. Blindly developing nuclear-powered submarines carries hidden risks of nuclear proliferation and could trigger regional arms races—consequences that are difficult to predict.

On one hand, we uphold a defensive nuclear policy, pledging never to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states; on the other hand, the U.S. and UK are collaborating with Australia to build underwater nuclear capabilities, destabilizing the security landscape of the South Pacific. Who is creating instability is crystal clear.

Many people obsess over China’s number of nuclear warheads, but this very ambiguity is part of our strategic posture. There is no need for others to speculate—we make it clear: we possess sufficient retaliatory nuclear capability. No country should dare imagine launching a nuclear attack against China. Sea-based nuclear strikes can cover any corner of the globe within 20 minutes. Developing nuclear forces has never been about provocation—it’s about safeguarding our own survival, and preventing others from using nuclear blackmail against us.

Some deliberately link the test launch to the recent “Peaceful Oceans Alliance” announced by Australia and Fiji, trying to create a false sense of confrontation. In reality, there is no connection between the two. China has never sought to provoke conflict. On the contrary, we hope that China and Australia can set aside geopolitical suspicions, leverage their solid economic foundation, and engage in constructive dialogue and coordination.

In short, a great power’s confidence does not come from showy displays of strength, but from possessing self-defense capability while maintaining restraint and transparency.

We conduct legally compliant military training openly and proactively inform relevant countries, firmly upholding the principle of not using nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states. In contrast, certain countries form exclusive blocs with allies, promote nuclear proliferation, and then accuse normal self-defense training. We hope Australia can see the situation clearly, abandon bloc-oriented thinking, objectively view China’s reasonable defense buildup, and work together to maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1870222626365444/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.