Pacific Leaders at Summit Fail to Reach Unanimous Condemnation of China’s Ballistic Missile Launch
Pacific leaders sought consensus on a joint statement after China’s July missile test, but divisions over Taiwan and notice rules have slowed condemnation.
- On Thursday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. rejected any equivalence between American and Chinese missile testing, calling for a unified Pacific response to China's recent ballistic missile test.
- China test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile in July with minimal notice, crossing Palau airspace and landing near Nauru and Tuvalu. Critics argue the action showed "no respect" to Pacific nations.
- Efforts to condemn Beijing are hampered by U.S. missile testing from California towards the Marshall Islands, while some nations fear angering China, complicating consensus on a joint statement.
- Officials are meeting on Thursday to finalize a joint communique, though analysts expect little severe criticism of Beijing due to ongoing regional divisions and diplomatic concerns.
- The summit hosted by Palau remains overshadowed by the "permanent contest" between Australia and China, alongside friction regarding Taiwan's participation as an aid partner in the forum.
60 Articles
60 Articles
Pacific Island leaders express concern after China missile test
Pacific Islands Forum leaders agreed Thursday on a joint statement voicing concern over recent missile tests, in a move that effectively criticized a launch by China in July that landed in the South Pacific, as they wrapped up their four-day gathering in Koror.
Sydney (Australia), 4 Sep (EFE).- The leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) agreed to express their concern about the testing of an intercontinental ballistic missile by China in July and to demand that countries carry out such tests to report at least 24 hours in advance, although they avoided condemning [...] The Pacific Leaders entry expresses concern about the Chinese missile but avoid direct condemnation was first published in HolaNews.
<p>Pacific nations opposed China's missile tests, only one state remained silent Almost all 18 countries at the Forum supported the statement following China's launch of a ballistic missile near Tuvalu. Nauru refused her support.</p>
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