Leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum issued a statement expressing concern about China’s July launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile over the Pacific.
The leaders said the missile traveled over several member states without adequate notice.
The leaders did not name China directly when referring to the July ICBM test.
Forum Chair Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. read a statement calling for all nations that conduct ICBM tests to provide 24 hours notice, the international standard "to ensure transparency and reassurance."
"Leaders emphasised the importance of all states conducting ICBM tests to do so consistently with the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration, Treaty of Rarotonga and in respect of the sovereignty of forum members," Whipps said.
When asked about criticism from China that Palau was sensationalizing the test, Whipps said the message from forum leaders was just stating the facts.
“The test happened. And the Pacific Islands weren't informed. The ones that were informed were informed late.”
Whipps noted that the Republic of Naoero dissented from the statement.
Like most of the Pacific Island Forum nations, Naoero has diplomatic ties with China. Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and Tuvalu are three of the 12 nations around the world that have ties to Taiwan.
