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.
"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.
"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 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 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.
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."
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 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.
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.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of a deadly drone strike on a Türkiye-owned cargo ship in the Black Sea, killing it...
Regional powers gathered in Moscow on Monday for talks on Afghanistan, focusing on security, economic cooperation and Kabul’s relations with ...
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan held talks in Tehran on Monday on bilateral ties and efforts t...
Iran's Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad has resigned, with Hamid Bovard, chief executive of the state-owned National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), appointed as acting oil minister, according to Iranian state media.
Right-wing Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro will face leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in a runoff of the presidential election later this month, after he exceeded expectations in Sunday's first-round vote with a slight lead over the incumbent.
Candidates elected to Bosnia and Herzegovina's three-member presidency declared victory after preliminary unofficial results showed Denis Becirovic leading the Bosniak seat, Darijana Filipovic ahead in the Croat seat and Zeljka Cvijanovic likely retaining the Serb seat.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States meets seven conditions agreed under a June memorandum, as President Donald Trump signals he may soon decide whether to resume military operations against Tehran.
Uzbekistan’s grape exports have grown rapidly. In January-August 2025, the country exported 86,200 tonnes of fresh grapes worth $78.3 million to 19 countries but can it turn these crops into a recognisable international product?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of a deadly drone strike on a Türkiye-owned cargo ship in the Black Sea, killing its captain and endangering a civilian crew that included Azerbaijani and Indian nationals.
Here's your AnewZ Daily Brief for 5 October 2026. These are the top five elections making headlines around the world.
The United States has withdrawn all 12 of its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in Britain, just a week after several people were arrested over an alleged plot targeting the air base.
Australian counterterrorism authorities are examining the links of the co-pilot accused of attacking the captain and attempting to take control of a flydubai flight bound for Israel. Authorities in New Zealand have also said they are investigating reports the suspect had spent time in that country.
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Monday called a snap election for 29 November in a bid to strengthen his mandate after a fragmented parliament rejected the government's key housing decrees last week amid widespread protests.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment