Palau urges ‘unified’ Pacific response to China’s intercontinental ballistic test

Palau's President Surangel Whipps has called for a "unified" Pacific response to China's July intercontinental ballistic missile test, which occurred on the final day of a summit marred by alleged Chinese interference. China only provided short notice before firing the missile, which sparked condemnation from numerous Pacific leaders.

Despite the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum, held in Palau, not issuing a formal response to the test, Whipps emphasized the importance of a unified Pacific voice in urging Beijing to respect sovereignty, transparency, and responsible partnerships. He stated that Beijing had "threatened and really disrespected" the region with the missile test, which he alleged landed in the ocean between Solomon Islands, Nauru, and Tuvalu.

China maintains that the test was a routine part of its annual military training and informed relevant countries in advance. The summit's conclusion includes a leaders' retreat to finalize a joint communique, with China's Pacific envoy Qian Bo warning of consequences following Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung's participation in the opening ceremony.

Some leaders have skipped the forum, sending lower-ranked ministers in their place, while New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters suggested foreign interference may have played a role in the absences. Kiribati's pro-Beijing president did not attend, and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale, who was China's closest Pacific partner, unexpectedly left Palau to deal with a political crisis at home.