Pacific leaders condemn Chinese missile test, demand 24-hour notice

Pacific Island nations condemned a Chinese intercontinental ballistic missile test in a joint statement at their summit, demanding at least 24 hours' advance notice for future tests, despite Beijing's pressure on host Palau. Seventeen of 18 forum members agreed, with Naoero dissenting. The July missile landed near Tuvalu and Naoero, sparking outrage given the region's history of nuclear testing and its nuclear-free zone declaration. China called the test routine and said relevant countries were informed. Beijing accused Palau of "hijacking" the response, while Palau's president said transparency is needed. The summit also addressed climate change, crime, and included sideline meetings with Taiwan and the US, with Australia pledging AU$600 million for surveillance and the US $60 million for fuel security.