Pacific Leaders Voice Missile-Test Concern as Nauru Dissents

Pacific Islands Forum leaders said they were concerned by China’s July intercontinental ballistic-missile test, which crossed several members without adequate notice. Their Palau summit communiqué called for transparency, reassurance and at least 24 hours’ advance notification for future ICBM tests, but did not name China or use stronger condemnation language. Nauru formally dissociated itself from the clause, while Kiribati had no representative at the leaders’ retreat. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Nauru’s position should not prevent the Forum from stating a regional view.