PIF says no member blocked China missile statement

The Pacific Islands Forum has clarified that no member state obstructed a proposed statement regarding China's recent ballistic missile tests in the Pacific. The issue arose after the Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting, prompting questions about the region's lack of a strong collective response.

According to PIF Secretary General Baron Waqa, ministers debated the matter, but disagreements emerged over the precise wording of the statement. "There is no blocking," Waqa stated. "Kiribati did not block, Nauru did not block. They just honestly put in place their position so that others can consider and see how best they can all contribute."

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There is no blocking. Kiribati did not block, Nauru did not block. They just honestly put in place their position so that others can consider and see how best they can all contribute.

Deputy Secretary General Esala Nayasi explained that ministers agreed a political statement is necessary, but officials require more time to finalize the language. He suggested the statement might address missile testing in the Pacific more generally, rather than focusing on a single incident. "All ministers have agreed that there needs to be a statement. No one is blocking that. But it’s a matter of negotiation and agreement by members," Nayasi said.

The statement is among several issues still being negotiated ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau. Forum Chair Rick Houenipwela acknowledged that individual national positions on the missile testing have also been noted by members. Officials have been tasked with completing the work on these outstanding matters before the leaders convene.

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All ministers have agreed that there needs to be a statement. No one is blocking that. But it’s a matter of negotiation and agreement by members.