Pacific Island leaders have called for greater transparency over intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) testing at the Pacific Islands Forum summit in Palau after discussing China’s July missile launch.
Summit chair Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr. said leaders urged all states conducting ICBM tests to provide at least 24 hours’ advance notice in line with international practice. Nauru formally dissented from the statement.
Key developments:
- China’s July ICBM test passed over several Pacific island nations, according to summit organisers.
- Palau had sought a stronger condemnation of the launch.
- Australia and the United States announced a combined $580 million in new funding for Pacific Island nations, including measures focused on regional security, energy resilience and tackling organised crime.
- New Zealand will host the next Pacific Islands Forum summit in 2027.
The summit was dominated by broader geopolitical tensions, with China’s objections to Taiwan’s participation and the absence of several Pacific leaders drawing international attention.
Despite those issues, leaders also reaffirmed climate change as the region’s foremost priority, calling for stronger global action to limit warming to 1.5°C while advancing cooperation on economic resilience, regional security and sustainable development.
ℹ️ Reuters
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