A ballistic missile fired into the Pacific Ocean was a surprise -Rabuka

A ballistic missile fired by China over 6 Exclusive Economic Zones of the Pacific caught Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka by surprise after he held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the concept of the Ocean of Peace.

Rabuka says he was surprised that the missile flew over 11 thousand kilometres and landed in the high seas in the Pacific.

He was later informed that it was part of the China and Russia military exercise.

Beijing Defence Ministry announced that the long-range missile carried a dummy warhead that landed in the designated area, believed to be in the South Pacific.

They say the added test launch was routine and part of its annual training.

President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere had mentioned during the General Debate of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly that Fiji urges for respect under the principal core of the Ocean of Peace.

Katonivere says countries should refrain from firing ballistic missiles to the Pacific and uphold the Pacific laws.

Rabuka further clarified that there were no dangers during this exercise.