June 24, Kathmandu – Nations across the Pacific region are preparing a strong joint statement condemning China’s recent strategic missile test conducted in the Pacific Ocean. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese informed that the draft statement is currently under discussion among member countries of the Pacific Islands Forum. Speaking to reporters in Brisbane ahead of security talks with leaders from Papua New Guinea, Tonga, and Samoa, Prime Minister Albanese emphasized the need for Pacific countries to deliver a unified and strong message. According to him, the prepared joint statement is of a very firm nature.
On Monday, China carried out a strategic missile test in the Pacific Ocean using a dummy warhead. Countries including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the United States have criticized the test. Observers reported that the missile landed in maritime areas between the Solomon Islands, Nauru, and Tuvalu. Many Pacific nations reliant on Chinese aid and infrastructure loans have been hesitant to publicly criticize Beijing. Nonetheless, the Solomon Islands expressed dissatisfaction with the missile test on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Albanese is currently holding discussions on regional security and cooperation with Tonga’s Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua, Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape, and Samoa’s Prime Minister La’oli’ali’Malieto’a Lueta Schmidt. He stressed that regional countries must take responsibility for the security of the Pacific. As part of its strategy to balance China’s growing influence, Australia is expanding security cooperation with Pacific nations while also strengthening ties through rugby league and rugby union programs.
The Chinese missile test coincided with the signing of a new defense partnership agreement between Australia and Fiji. Canberra has been expanding its security cooperation with various South Pacific nations in recent years. Fiji’s Defense Minister Pio Tikoduadua stated that the Chinese embassy had been warned in advance not to conduct such tests. He noted that the missile test undermined regional trust and mutual respect. Additionally, he described the presence of China’s missile surveillance vessel Yuan Wang-5 at Fiji’s port at the time of the test as an unusual coincidence.
