Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders have "registered concern" regarding China's intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test in July, which overflew several member nations without adequate notice. This stance was outlined in a joint communique, which, while not a direct condemnation, called for all states undertaking ICBM testing to provide transparency and at least 24 hours of advance notification, aligning with international practice.
While Australia and Palau, particularly President Surangel Whipps Jr., pushed for a stronger condemnation, consensus proved difficult. Kiribati and Naoero (formerly Nauru) had previously resisted a joint statement at a foreign ministers' meeting. Naoero formally dissented from this clause in the PIF leaders' communique, and Kiribati's absence from the leaders' retreat left its current position unclear. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese distinguished China's test from U.S. missile tests, noting the latter provides proper notice and has agreements with the Marshall Islands, contrasting with China's "very little notice" and lack of respect for Pacific nations.
The missile test, which involved a submarine from the People's Liberation Army Navy firing a dummy warhead over 7,000 kilometers into the Pacific near Tuvalu's Exclusive Economic Zone, was described by President Whipps as a disrespect to the region's sovereignty. Despite China's claim of informing "relevant countries in advance" for what it called a routine military training, Pacific leaders, including New Zealand's Prime Minister, emphasized the importance of not normalizing such actions in a nuclear-free Pacific, given the region's history with nuclear testing.
