Pacific leaders urge China to give 24-hour notice before missile tests

Pacific island leaders criticized China's recent intercontinental ballistic missile test that overflew several member states without adequate notice, calling for at least 24 hours' advance notification for future launches. The statement was read by Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. at a summit on Thursday, with Nauru the only country dissociating itself. The communique did not name China directly, but Beijing's July submarine-launched missile test drew criticism from nations including Australia and Palau, which pushed for a strong response. A key issue was the lack of warning, contrasted with US tests near the Marshall Islands. China's foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun accused Palau of trying to "hijack" the forum's position. The Pacific group failed to reach consensus on a statement last month after Kiribati and Nauru refused to sign, with Kiribati arguing the US also tests missiles in the region. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rejected that comparison, saying the US gives proper notice, while China's test showed "no respect" for Pacific nations. The region has become a US-China competition hotspot since Beijing signed a security pact with the Solomon Islands in 2022.