Pacific Islands Forum Fails to Condemn Chinese Missile Test

Foreign ministers from the 18 member states of the Pacific Islands Forum failed to reach a consensus on a joint statement condemning the Government of China after it test-fired a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific in July 2026. The missile reportedly landed in waters near Tuvalu, between the Solomon Islands and Nauru. While a majority of members sought a formal condemnation, Kiribati and Nauru blocked the statement, citing their close ties with Beijing.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters criticized the deadlock, suggesting that some nations prioritized the wishes of outside partners over regional interests. He described the lack of agreement as a missed opportunity and a delicate issue where predetermined positions blocked logic. In contrast, Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela, serving as forum chair, emphasized that the regional agenda must be conceived and shaped exclusively by the Pacific to maintain solidarity.

Other regional leaders expressed varying degrees of concern. Papua New Guinea's Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko called the launch totally inappropriate, while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described it as provocative. Amid these tensions, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the completion of a 10,300km undersea cable project connecting all forum members, funded by over $500 million in Australian aid since 2018.

The meeting in Suva also addressed a proposal from the Solomon Islands for a binding regional security treaty. Pacific leaders are expected to revisit the issue of regional unity and the missile test at a full leaders' meeting scheduled for September in Palau.