Pacific island nations summit concerned about China's missile test, Nauru dissent

(Central News Agency, Sydney, 4th Comprehensive Foreign Report) Pacific island leaders expressed concern about China's missile tests in the Pacific at an annual summit, but Nauru officially expressed objections, and the meeting was largely overshadowed by Beijing's objection to Taiwan's attendance.

Reuters reported that Surangel Whipps Jr., the president of Palau, the host country of the summit, said yesterday that China’s intercontinental ballistic missile test in July passed over multiple island countries without giving sufficient warning. This is Beijing's first known missile test in the Pacific since September 2024.

Hui Shuren said at the closing press conference of the Pacific Islands Forum: "Leaders of various countries call on all countries that conduct intercontinental ballistic missile tests to ensure transparency and reassure all parties, including issuing test launch notifications at least 24 hours in advance in accordance with international practice."

"I must point out that the Republic of Nauru takes issue with this," he added, looking at a prepared statement.

Nauru has switched diplomatic recognition between Beijing and Taipei several times in the past, and restored diplomatic relations with China in 2024.

Australian Energy Minister Chris Bowen, who attended the summit with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, said today: "The vast majority of Pacific countries have expressed their positions, and one or two countries have expressed different positions, which is completely reasonable."