Pacific Forum Registers Concern Over China’s ICBM Test, Nauru’s Dissent Marks Rare Split

At the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) summit in Palau, leaders issued a joint communiqué urging states that conduct intercontinental ballistic-missile (ICBM) tests to provide at least 24 hours advance notification. The statement was not unanimous: the Republic of Nauru formally dissented, breaking the forum’s usual consensus practice.

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China’s July test was its first known ICBM launch over the Pacific since September 2024 and involved a dummy warhead that splashed down near Tuvalu. Nauru, which re-established diplomatic ties with Beijing in 2024 after previously switching recognition between China and Taiwan, opposed the wording of the communiqué. Palau remains one of the few Pacific nations that continue to recognise Taiwan, a factor that heightened tensions with Beijing during the summit.

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• Australian Energy Minister Chris Bowen described the majority view as “perfectly reasonable” while acknowledging a minority position.

Pacific Island leaders raise concerns over Chinese missile test

• Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese asserted that the Pacific Islands Forum determines its own outcomes, rejecting comparisons with U.S. testing practices.

The Sydney Morning Herald

• China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said China pursues a defensive defence policy, has never engaged in military expansion, and is willing to work with South Pacific countries to safeguard regional peace.

The Straits Times

• China’s special envoy to the Pacific, Qian Bo, warned that attempts to influence Pacific nations would have “consequences” and objected to Taiwan’s participation in the meeting.

Bloomberg

Beijing accused Palau of “stirring hype” over the missile test and characterised its diplomatic outreach as “malicious.” The envoy’s warning about “consequences” for Taiwan’s presence underscored the geopolitical friction framing the summit’s discussions.

The Straits Times

• The Pacific Islands Forum comprises 18 member states.

No China missile test condemnation from Pacific leaders

• 17 members endorsed the communiqué; Nauru lodged a dissenting footnote.

Associated Press

• Five Pacific leaders attended the summit with low-ranking ministers rather than heads of state, and Kiribati sent no representative to the private retreat.

Associated Press

Sources differ on Kiribati’s representation: one report notes the former ambassador attended in place of the president, while another states the country had no delegate at the retreat. The final communiqué refrains from naming China directly, whereas earlier drafts explicitly referenced Beijing.

Associated Press

• “Leaders called on all states undertaking ICBM testing to ensure transparency and reassurance, including through the provision of advance notification of a test at least 24 hours in accordance with international practice,” — Surangel Whipps Jr, Palau president

The Straits Times

• “Unanimity is not necessary to express very strong views on behalf of the vast majority of the Pacific island states, which was very clear,” — Chris Bowen, Australian energy minister

The Straits Times

The next PIF leaders’ summit is scheduled to be hosted by New Zealand in 2027, where Pacific states are expected to revisit missile-test notifications and the broader strategic environment.

No China missile test condemnation from Pacific leaders