KOROR, Palau – 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.
The statement by the 18-member bloc urged all countries to provide at least 24 hours’ advance notice of missile tests, while stressing respect for Pacific nations’ sovereignty, according to Palau President Surangel Whipps, who chaired the summit and revealed the content of the statement at a press conference after the meeting.
The group’s foreign ministers failed to finalize the statement in August and carried over negotiations to the leaders’ meeting.
Whipps had earlier stated that “a unified Pacific voice is critical in getting Beijing to respect sovereignty, to respect transparency, and to be a responsible partner,” indicating his intention to compile a joint statement criticizing the missile test.
The PIF designates approximately 20 countries, organizations, and regions, including China and Taiwan, as partners. This year’s summit was notable for Taiwan’s dispatch of Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, which drew criticism from China.
Next year’s PIF summit is scheduled to be held in New Zealand.
