Pacific Islands Forum rebukes China over missile test, urges advance notice

Pacific Islands Forum leaders concluded their meeting in Palau by rebuking China's July intercontinental ballistic missile test, urging all states to provide at least 24 hours' advance notice before such testing. Nauru formally dissented from the joint statement. The forum's statement cited the test's overflight of member nations without adequate warning, calling for transparency and reassurance. Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. read the statement, noting Nauru's dissent, while Kiribati had no representative present. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the forum proceeded despite Nauru's objection. The forum also agreed to split its roughly 30 partners into strategic and sector tiers next year, and adopted a declaration for urgent climate action to keep 1.5 degrees Celsius warming within reach. China's foreign ministry accused Palau of ill-intentioned attempts to hijack the forum's position.