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

Palau’s president Surangel Whipps urged a coordinated response from the Pacific region to China's July intercontinental ballistic missile test, which occurred during the final day of a summit marred by allegations of Chinese interference. China had given brief notice before testing the missile, which sparked condemnation from Pacific leaders but the Pacific Islands Forum, being held in Palau, had yet to issue a formal response.

Palau, inviting Taiwan as an aid partner, called for a strong message from the region, stating that a unified voice is crucial in asserting sovereignty, transparency, and responsible partnerships. Whipps stated that Beijing threatened and disrespected the region with the test, which landed somewhere between Solomon Islands, Nauru, and Tuvalu without prior notification.

Beijing claimed the test was part of an annual military training exercise, informing relevant countries in advance. The forum concluded with a leaders' retreat on Thursday, aiming to draft a joint communique. China's growing influence in the Pacific added significance to the summit, hosted by Palau. Chinese envoy Qian Bo threatened consequences after Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung joined the ceremony.

Some leaders skipped the event, sending lower-ranking ministers instead. New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters suggested foreign interference might contribute to the absences. Kiribati's pro-Beijing president declined to attend, and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale unexpectedly left Palau due to a political crisis, potentially reviewing a security pact with Beijing and repairing relations with the US and Australia.