Australia and Palau urge Pacific summit to denounce China's missile launch

During the closing session of the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, Australia and Palau are urging fellow Pacific leaders to adopt a clear condemnation of China’s recent ballistic missile test, which was fired from a People’s Liberation Army Navy submarine and landed just outside Tuvalu’s exclusive economic zone. Kiribati and Nauru have refused to back a joint statement, claiming it would be unjust to single out Beijing while the United States also conducts missile tests near the Marshall Islands.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dismissed the comparison, noting the lack of notice and agreement in the Chinese launch. Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr, a vocal critic of China, emphasized the need for a united Pacific stance and questioned why the missile was directed toward the central Pacific rather than elsewhere. China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian labeled the Palau allegations as baseless. The forum’s final discussions will determine whether a stronger condemnation is adopted.