Pacific Leaders Urge United Stance on China Missile Test

The chair of the Pacific Islands Forum said Thursday he hopes member nations will reach consensus to condemn a Chinese missile test in the region, on the final day of a summit dominated by a dispute between Beijing and Taiwan. Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. said a unified Pacific voice is critical to get Beijing to respect sovereignty and transparency, adding that the bloc does not want its homes threatened. The July test was Beijing's first known launch in the Pacific since September 2024. The test came hours after Fiji and Australia signed a major defence treaty, and a foreign ministers meeting last month failed to agree on a statement condemning it. China says the test was conducted safely, and the summit has also been overshadowed by China's objections to Taiwan's presence.