Pacific Islands Forum condemns China's missile test in joint communique

Pacific island leaders condemned China's missile test in the region in a joint statement at this year's Pacific Islands Forum summit in Palau, despite pressure from Beijing on the host nation. The communique, read by Palau President Surangel Whipps, called for at least 24 hours' advance notice for any intercontinental ballistic missile tests. Seventeen of the forum's 18 members agreed, with Nauru dissenting. China's July test, announced to only a few countries, landed in international waters near Nauru and Tuvalu, angering nations with memories of past nuclear testing. The statement urged all nations conducting ICBM tests to ensure transparency. China called the test routine military training with prior notification. Nauru, which switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China two years ago, declined to criticize Beijing.