This year’s Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Summit came to an end on Thursday (September 3). According to Reuters and other media quotes, Surangel Whipps Jr., the president of the host country Palau (Palau), read a joint communique on the evening of the 3rd: "(We are) concerned about a recent intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test launch, which flew over the skies of several member states without sufficient prior notification."
"Leaders of various countries call on all countries that are conducting ICBM tests to be open and transparent and to eliminate the doubts of other countries. For example, in accordance with international practice, they should provide at least 24 hours of advance notice."
Although the above paragraph does not directly name China, it is clearly concerned about China's recent actions. In early July this year, a PLA nuclear-powered submarine test-fired a missile into the Pacific Ocean. At that time, New Zealand, Australia, the United States, Japan and Taiwan all expressed concerns, saying that China's notification was too late and the information provided was not clear enough. China claimed that this was a "routine arrangement" for annual military training and was not targeted at any specific country or target.
Previously, in September 2024, the People's Liberation Army also tested missiles into the Pacific Ocean, which was the first time since the 1980s. At the time, some analysts pointed out that China's missile test on the high seas was quite rare and was intended to convey warning and deterrence.
Divides among Pacific nations come to the fore
It is worth noting that Pacific countries have not reached a consensus on how to respond to China's missile test in the Pacific. According to an analysis by the Associated Press, whether Pacific countries are willing to jointly condemn China's missile tests is regarded by some as a "litmus test." It can be seen to what extent the geopolitical competition between major powers in the Pacific has shaken relations among small Pacific island countries.
At this year's leaders' summit, Hui Shuren pointed out that not all countries agree with the contents of the joint communiqué: "I would like to add that Nauru has expressed objections." Nauru was once a diplomatic ally of Taiwan, but announced that it would break off diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 2024 and instead establish diplomatic relations with China.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon revealed that at this year’s informal retreat of the Forum Leaders’ Summit, not only the leaders of Kiribati were not present, but even official representatives were not present at all. Generally speaking, leaders from various countries will polish and sign the final joint communiqué together on the day of the informal meeting, and it usually requires unanimous consent to pass it.
However, Luxon downplayed the impact of Kiribati's absence and Nauru's opposition: "I think we have reached a very ideal state... Nauru is right to have severed ties with the statement, but that does not mean that we cannot convey the position or consensus of the Pacific Islands Forum."
Australian Energy Minister Chris Bowen also told Australian media ABC Radio on the 4th: "The vast majority of Pacific countries convey one position, but one or two countries express different views. This is completely reasonable... It does not need to reach an undisputed consensus, but it can still represent the position of the vast majority of Pacific island countries and convey a very strong and clear view."
In addition to Kiribati, the countries whose leaders were absent include Fiji, Vanuatu (Vanadu), Samoa, and the Solomon Islands; these countries were represented by other officials.
Shadows from both sides of the Taiwan Strait cast over the Pacific
In early August, Fiji hosted the Foreign Ministers' Meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum. At that time, the countries failed to reach a joint statement in response to China's missile test.
At the September leaders' summit, the host country, Palau, actively called on all countries to criticize China's missile tests in harsher terms. However, the final joint communique only used the word "concern".
As one of Taiwan's few diplomatic allies, China is dissatisfied with Palau's attitude. On the 3rd, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said: "Palau has repeatedly hyped up and attempted to kidnap the positions of other Pacific Islands Forum members with sinister intentions. Its plan will not succeed. China adheres to the path of peaceful development... and is willing to work with South Pacific countries to contribute to the maintenance of peace, stability, development and prosperity in the South Pacific region."
Earlier this week, China's special envoy for Pacific Island countries Qian Bo also warned that Taiwan's attendance at the Pacific Islands Forum leaders' summit would have negative "consequences." Agence France-Presse news further stated that Chinese officials had warned leaders and ministers of Pacific countries not to participate in forum activities involving Taiwan.
This time, Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Jialong led a delegation to participate in the Pacific Islands Forum. After the meeting, Lin Jialong signed a joint statement with Palau President Hui Shuren, Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine, and Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo, emphasizing joint efforts to maintain peace in the Pacific.
During the meeting, Lin Jialong also interacted with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. In the face of China, Lin Jialong said that China uses "wolf warrior diplomacy" to undermine the unity of Pacific countries, which is disgusting. He also said: “The CCP’s life-or-death, zero-sum struggle is not suitable for use in the Pacific region.”
