Pacific Leaders Raise Alarm Over China Missile Test; Nauru Dissents at Forum
Pacific Islands Forum Addresses China Missile Test and Regional Tensions
By Renju Jose
Summit Overview and Missile Test Concerns
SYDNEY, Sept 4 (Reuters) - Pacific Island leaders expressed concern about China's Pacific missile test at their annual summit, though Nauru formally dissented, in a meeting largely overshadowed by Beijing's objections to Taiwan's presence.
Summit host and Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. said on Thursday that China's intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test in July, Beijing's first known launch in the Pacific since September 2024, passed over several island nations without adequate warning.
Call for Transparency in Missile Testing
"Leaders called on all states undertaking ICBM testing to ensure transparency and reassurance, including through the provision of advance notification of a test at least 24 hours in accordance with international practice," Whipps Jr. said at a media briefing at the conclusion of the Pacific Islands Forum.
Nauru's Dissent and Diplomatic Context
"I might note that the Republic of Nauru has dissented," he added, reading from a prepared statement.
Nauru, which has a history of switching diplomatic recognition between Beijing and Taipei, re-established diplomatic ties with China in 2024.
China's Response and Regional Diplomacy
China's foreign ministry, in response to the statement, said the country is committed to peaceful development and pursues a defensive national defence policy, adding that it has never engaged in military expansion.
"China is willing to work with South Pacific countries to contribute to safeguarding peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region," ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular press conference.
Australian Perspective on Forum Discussions
Australian Energy Minister Chris Bowen, who attended the summit with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, said on Friday it was "perfectly reasonable for the vast majority of Pacific countries to express a view and for one or two to say that they have a different view."
"Unanimity is not necessary to express very strong views on behalf of the vast majority of the Pacific island states, which was very clear," Bowen told ABC Radio.
Diplomatic Tensions: Palau, Taiwan, and Beijing
Palau, one of three Pacific Island nations that maintain official diplomatic ties with Taiwan, had pushed the 18-member bloc to formally condemn the missile test.
Beijing pushed back on Thursday, accusing Palau of stirring "hype" over the missile test and warning that its attempts to influence fellow Pacific island nations were "malicious and will not succeed."
Taiwan Condemns China's 'Wolf Warrior' Diplomacy
The summit was further strained by China's objections to Taiwan's participation, with Beijing arguing the island was not qualified to attend. China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory - a position Taiwan firmly rejects.
Taiwan's Response and Allegations of Espionage
Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung on Friday condemned China's "wolf warrior" diplomacy at the summit and said Chinese officials had also engaged in espionage at the event.
"This kind of Chinese 'wolf warrior' diplomacy actually easily undermines Pacific unity and it is quite off-putting and disliked," he said, adding that Taiwan and China were both invited guests.
Summit Attendance and Future Outlook
Proceedings were also overshadowed by the absence of five Pacific leaders, who sent low-ranking ministers in their place. The next summit will be hosted by New Zealand in 2027.
(Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney, Ben Blanchard and Yi-Chin Lee in Taipei; Additional reporting by Joe Cash in Beijing; Editing by Kate Mayberry and Thomas Derpinghaus)
