P
acific Island leaders have expressed concern over China’s recent intercontinental ballistic missile test in the Pacific, calling for greater transparency and advance notification of future missile launches, despite a formal dissent from Nauru.
The issue emerged as a major point of discussion at the annual Pacific Islands Forum, where leaders from the region debated security concerns while also facing pressure from Beijing over Taiwan’s participation in the summit.
Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr., who hosted the meeting, said China’s July missile test had passed over several Pacific island nations without sufficient warning. The launch was China’s first known ICBM test in the Pacific since September 2024.
At the conclusion of the summit, Whipps said Pacific leaders had called on all countries conducting ICBM tests to provide greater transparency and reassurance. He said they supported advance notification of missile tests at least 24 hours before launch, in line with international practice.
However, Whipps noted that Nauru had formally dissented from the position adopted by the majority of Pacific states.
Australian Energy Minister Chris Bowen, who attended the summit alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, defended the decision to issue the statement despite the lack of unanimity. He said it was reasonable for most Pacific countries to express their concerns while allowing one or two states to hold a different position.
“Unanimity is not necessary” to express strong views on behalf of the majority of Pacific island states, Bowen said, according to ABC Radio.
The disagreement highlights the competing diplomatic positions within the Pacific, where governments maintain different relationships with China, Taiwan, Australia and other major powers.
