Pacific Islands Forum Ends With Condemnation of China Missile Test

The Pacific Islands Forum ended in Palau with a direct rebuke of China’s July intercontinental ballistic missile test, but without full agreement among its members.

Leaders said the missile had flown over several Pacific countries without adequate notice. They called on all states conducting such tests to provide transparency and reassurance, including at least 24 hours’ advance notification.

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I might note that the Republic of Nauru has dissented.

Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr read the joint statement and then pointed out the split, saying, “I might note that the Republic of Nauru has dissented.” Nauru was one of the 18 forum members that did not support the statement.

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It's a piece of a conversation, but it's not the dominant conversation.

The missile dispute overshadowed other concerns at the meeting, including tensions between China and Taiwan. One local resident told RNZ that discussion of China and Taiwan had crowded out issues affecting Palau, such as outmigration, the cost of living and drugs. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said China and Taiwan had been part of the conversation inside the forum, but not its dominant focus.

The forum had struggled to reach consensus on the missile test. Nauru and Kiribati, both closely aligned with China, were understood to have blocked full agreement on an earlier statement. China’s foreign ministry accused Palau of trying to hijack other members’ positions after the host country urged condemnation. The forum also agreed to divide future partners into two tiers and adopted a declaration calling for urgent, inclusive climate action to keep the 1.5-degree warming limit within reach.

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All I hear is about just drama, and that defeats the whole purpose.