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Palau President Warns of Rising Nuclear Anxiety After China Missile Test

From RNZ Pacific · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Palau's President Surangel Whipps Jr. expressed concern over China's recent nuclear-capable ballistic missile test in the South Pacific.
  • Whipps stated that such opaque actions by China raise anxiety and fear in the region, urging adherence to international treaties and transparency.
  • He contrasted China's actions with those of the US, which he said follows protocols and informs regional countries of its military activities.

Palau's President Surangel Whipps Jr. has voiced strong concerns regarding China's recent test launch of a nuclear-capable ballistic missile, emphasizing the rising nuclear anxiety in the Pacific. The missile, carrying a dummy warhead, was launched into the South Pacific, a region Palau wants to remain peaceful.

"When China acts in very opaque or secretive launches like this, it raises anxiety, fears, and causes great concern for all of us that live on these islands that want to live in peace and harmony," Whipps told RNZ Pacific. He highlighted that the missile's trajectory crossed over the Pacific, directly impacting the region's sense of security. Palau, situated close to China, is particularly sensitive to such displays of military power.

When China acts in very opaque or secretive launches like this, it raises anxiety, fears, and causes great concern for all of us that live on these islands that want to live in peace and harmony

— Surangel Whipps JnrPresident Whipps explains the impact of China's missile test on regional security and anxiety.

President Whipps pointed out that China's actions violate long-standing treaties, specifically mentioning the Hague Code of Conduct, which calls for voluntary pre-launch notifications. He stated that China did not inform Palau or other regional nations about the test, a stark contrast to the protocols followed by the United States. "The US has a base in the Marshall Islands, they follow protocols and inform countries that are in their vicinity about what's going on," Whipps noted, underscoring the importance of transparency and adherence to international law for maintaining peace and stability in the Pacific.

Palau's commitment to peace is deeply rooted in its history, having been a site of intense battles during World War II. The nation's constitution, established 46 years ago on Constitution Day, includes a nuclear-free provision, reflecting its ambition to prevent future conflicts. Whipps urged China to respect sovereignty and international treaties, acknowledging the right of countries to self-defense but stressing that this should not put other nations in harm's way.

The US has a base in the Marshall Islands, they follow protocols and inform countries that are in their vicinity about what's going on.

— Surangel Whipps JnrPresident Whipps contrasts China's lack of notification with the transparency of US military activities in the region.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by RNZ Pacific in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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