Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Pacific Leaders Back Missile Test Concerns Despite Nauru Dissent
Pacific island leaders met to discuss a Chinese missile test.
The missile traveled over parts of the Pacific in July.
Palau’s president said countries in the region were not warned early enough.
Most leaders wanted countries to give at least 24 hours’ notice before similar tests.
Nauru disagreed with the group’s position.
China said Palau was making too much of the test.
China also said Taiwan should not have taken part in the meeting.
The summit showed that Pacific countries do not all agree on China, Taiwan, and regional security.
Pacific Islands Forum leaders expressed concern over China’s July intercontinental ballistic missile test.
Palau said the test passed over island nations without adequate advance warning.
Leaders called for at least 24 hours’ notice for future ICBM tests.
Nauru formally dissented from the summit’s position on the missile test.
China accused Palau of creating hype and objected to Taiwan’s participation.
- Who
- Pacific Islands Forum leaders, including Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., China, and Nauru.
- What
- The leaders expressed concern about China’s July ICBM test and called for advance notification, while Nauru dissented.
- When
- The missile test occurred in July; the leaders discussed it at the summit concluding on Thursday, September 4.
- Where
- The Pacific region, at the Pacific Islands Forum summit hosted by Palau.
- Why
- Leaders said the test passed over island nations without adequate warning and raised concerns about regional militarisation.
Pacific Leaders and Palau
China and Nauru
Missile-test transparency
Pacific Leaders and Palau
Palau and most Pacific leaders said the test lacked adequate warning and supported at least 24 hours’ advance notification for future ICBM tests.
China and Nauru
China rejected Palau’s portrayal of the test, accusing it of stirring hype. Nauru formally dissented from the group’s position.
Regional security
Pacific Leaders and Palau
Several Pacific leaders expressed concern that the test reflected growing militarisation of the region.
China and Nauru
China said Palau’s efforts to influence other Pacific island nations were malicious and would not succeed.
Taiwan’s participation
Pacific Leaders and Palau
Taiwan attended the summit, alongside Pacific countries that maintain official diplomatic relations with it.
China and Nauru
China objected to Taiwan’s participation, saying the island was not qualified to attend; Taiwan rejects China’s claim that it is Chinese territory.
- Missile test
- China conducted an intercontinental ballistic missile test in July.
- Advance warning
- Leaders called for at least 24 hours’ notification before ICBM tests.
- Dissent
- Nauru formally dissented from the summit’s position.
- Host
- The summit was hosted by Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr.
- Regional bloc
- The Pacific Islands Forum has 18 members.
- China’s response
- Beijing accused Palau of creating hype over the missile test.
- Next summit
- New Zealand will host the next Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ summit in 2027.