Pacific Islands Forum criticizes China missile test; Nauru dissents

Pacific Islands Forum leaders issued a joint statement on September 3 criticizing China's July submarine-launched ballistic missile test, despite pressure on chair Palau from Beijing. The statement expressed concern over the missile's passage over member states' airspace without adequate notice. The statement urged all nations conducting ICBM tests to provide at least 24 hours' advance notification per international practice. Nauru opposed the statement, leaving 17 countries and two territories in agreement. China claimed the test was routine military training with prior notification to relevant states. The missile landed in international waters near Tuvalu and Nauru, stirring memories of past nuclear tests by the US, UK, and France. China also criticized Palau for inviting Taiwan's foreign minister to the forum, warning of consequences, while Taiwan defended its diplomatic ties in the region.