China to conduct missile test in South Pacific within next day

China will conduct a missile test within the South Pacific in the next day, RNZ understands.

RNZ has been told the New Zealand government has been warned by China about the test.

It comes after the signing of a new defence alliance on Monday between Australia and Fiji.

The Australian first reported the Australian government had been warned of the test, which described it as a "nuclear-capable missile" with a dummy warhead.

The report stated multiple regional governments had been warned, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong was told by her officials who received a warning from the Chinese Embassy.

The Australian also reported the test appeared to be in retaliation to the Ocean of Peace Alliance.

The agreement was signed in Fiji, and was described as a "mutual defence treaty" by Australian ministers.

RNZ has approached the New Zealand government and the Chinese Embassy for comment.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was asked about the agreement on Monday, and confirmed he'd spoken to both the Australian and Fijian prime ministers about it.

"They have obviously formed an ally relationship," Luxon said.

He also said the government had signalled New Zealand was interested in exploring joining the agreement, but final decisions were yet to be made by cabinet.

"New Zealand being in early would be a good thing, because also you would have an ability to ultimately determine which other countries could join from across the Pacific."