Albanese slams China missile test, rejects US comparison

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has rejected comparisons between Chinese and American missile testing in the Pacific, accusing Beijing of showing "no respect" to regional nations during a summit in Palau. Albanese argued the US provides proper notice and has an agreement with the Marshall Islands, unlike China's recent test-firing of a nuclear-capable missile towards Nauru and Tuvalu with minimal warning. Pacific Islands Forum chair Surangel Whipps Jr backed this stance, noting the US has a formal arrangement for its tests. Efforts to issue a strong joint statement condemning China have stalled due to divisions among Pacific leaders, with Kiribati and Nauru reportedly blocking tougher language. A watered-down statement last month only called for "transparency and reassurance" without directly criticising Beijing.