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🇸🇬 Singapore /Conflict & Security

China missile test deepens Pacific divide over growing militarisation

From The Straits Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Pacific Island leaders struggled to agree on a statement condemning China's recent nuclear-capable missile test in the Pacific.
  • The test occurred shortly after Fiji signed a defense treaty with Australia, highlighting regional tensions over major power rivalry.
  • China stated the launch was conducted safely, while some Pacific nations expressed concern about increasing militarization in the region.

China's recent test of a nuclear-capable missile in the Pacific has underscored the challenges Pacific leaders face in maintaining the region as an "Ocean of Peace," free from major power competition. The July launch, China's first known ballistic missile test into the Pacific since September 2024, occurred just hours after Fiji and Australia finalized a significant defense treaty, marking Fiji's first alliance.

Despite individual leaders expressing alarm over the growing militarization, Pacific Island foreign ministers could not reach a consensus on a collective statement condemning Beijing's missile test. Papua New Guinea's Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko described the test as "totally inappropriate," acknowledging China as a close ally but stating the action was unhelpful. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, maintained the launch was "safely" conducted and urged against overinterpretation.

China is a very close friend and ally to Papua New Guinea, but we feel this doesn't help at all.

— Justin TkatchenkoPapua New Guinea Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko's reaction to China's missile test.

The region has witnessed increased military activity over the past year, with both the U.S. and China vying for influence. This includes Chinese naval deployments, U.S.-allied exercises, and frequent warship visits linked to expanding security partnerships. The United States maintains a significant military presence across the Pacific. Concerns about this escalating militarization extend beyond missile tests to security arrangements like the AUKUS pact.

Pacific leaders had previously endorsed the "Ocean of Peace Declaration" in September 2025, committing to safeguard the region and strengthen international peace. This initiative aimed to reclaim the region's security agenda from external powers. The recent defense pact between Australia and Fiji, named the Ocean of Peace Alliance, reflects this regional focus, though concerns remain about whether such pacts could further militarize the Pacific.

We hope relevant countries will not over-interpret the matter.

— Mao NingChinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning's comment on the missile test.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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