Pacific island leaders express concern over China's missile launch

Key facts

• Pacific island leaders expressed collective concern over a Chinese missile test launch in July.
• The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) reached a consensus on a joint statement regarding the missile test.
• Nauru dissented from the statement of concern.
• Kiribati's leader was absent from the leaders' retreat.
• Leaders called for transparency and advance notification of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests.

Pacific island leaders collectively expressed concern over a Chinese ballistic missile test launched in July that flew over their waters. At their annual regional summit in Palau, leaders agreed to a joint statement registering this concern, though Nauru dissented from the clause due to its closer ties with China. Kiribati's leader was absent from the leaders' retreat, represented by its former ambassador to China. The joint statement calls for transparency and advance notification of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests, aligning with international practice. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon downplayed the significance of Nauru's dissent and Kiribati's absence, emphasizing that the discussions over China's missile test were unifying. The region's increasing geopolitical importance has led major powers to vie for influence, creating complex alliances among the island states.