Pacific island leaders have condemned China's recent ballistic missile test, calling for advance notice and a unified response. The Pacific Islands Forum, representing 18 nations, issued a joint statement expressing concern over the early July submarine-launched missile launch near Tuvalu, which occurred with minimal notice. Christopher Luxon of New Zealand and Surangel Whipps Jr. of Palau emphasized the need for transparency and respect for sovereignty, noting the test undermined regional trust. Nauru was the only nation to disassociate from the statement, while Kiribati previously argued that the US also conducts missile tests in the region from the Marshall Islands, a comparison rejected by Anthony Albanese of Australia and Whipps. The leaders stressed that while climate change remains a critical threat, geopolitical tensions between China and the US, including the Taiwan issue and security pacts with the Solomon Islands, dominate the agenda.

The final communique is pending release. This rare consensus reflects growing regional concern over China's expanding influence and military activities in the Pacific.