China missile test deepens Pacific divide over growing militarization
Pacific Islands foreign ministers have been unable to agree on a collective statement condemning Beijing's missile test, despite individual leaders expressing alarm.
SUVA, Fiji - China's recent test of a nuclear-capable missile sent shockwaves through the Pacific region, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a non-militarized zone amidst rising global tensions. The July launch marked China's first known ballistic-missile test in the Pacific since September 2024, prompting immediate concern among regional leaders.
Fiji's signing of a major defense treaty with Australia just hours before the test further complicated the situation, as the two nations formalized their alliance for the first time. Despite the gravity of the missile test, Pacific Islands foreign ministers found themselves unable to reach consensus on a collective statement condemning Beijing's actions, even a month after the incident.
The rift between China and its Pacific neighbors deepened as individual leaders expressed their apprehension about the escalating militarization of the region, both publicly and privately.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
