Koror (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), meeting in Koror, the capital of Palau, reached agreement on a joint statement expressing concern over recent missile tests in the Pacific region.
The statement, approved after four days of meetings, effectively criticises China's launch last July, which resulted in a missile struck the South Pacific.
The statement from the 18-member group calls on all states to provide at least 24 hours' notice of any missile tests, stressing the need to respect the sovereignty of Pacific island nations and ensure greater transparency in military activities.
Palau President Surangel Whipps, who chaired the summit, outlined the statement’s contents today during a closing press conference.
The foreign ministers of the member countries had failed to reach an agreement on the matter in August and had therefore postponed it until the leaders' meeting.
Whipps had already expressed his desire to build a common position vis-à-vis Beijing, arguing that a united Pacific voice was necessary to demand from China more respect for their sovereignty, greater transparency in its actions and better behaviour as a responsible partner.
China issued a firm but conciliatory response. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun defended the missile test, reiterating that China pursues peaceful development, maintains a defensive policy, and does not engage in military expansion.
China, he added, is ready to work with the South Pacific countries to contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
The summit also took place against the backdrop of growing rivalry between China and Taiwan.
The Pacific Islands Forum considers some 20 countries, organizations, and territories as partners, including Beijing and Taipei.
Palau, which maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan, invited Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung to the summit, provoking a negative reaction from China.
Beijing considers Taiwan a rebel province destined for reunification with China, even by force if necessary, and has long sought to limit its participation in international organisations.
Lin accused China of seeking to isolate Taiwan and of deploying civilian personnel for surveillance during the summit.
According to the Taiwanese minister, China's “wolf warrior" diplomacy, characterised by a particularly aggressive stance, risks undermining the unity of the Pacific Rim countries.
During the summit, Lin also exchanged greetings with Christopher Landau, US Deputy Secretary of State.
The meeting takes on symbolic value, given the lack of formal diplomatic relations between Taiwan and the United States, and underscores Taipei's attempt to maintain an international presence despite Chinese pressure.
Regional tensions also contributed to the absence of some Pacific Island leaders, including those of Kiribati, Vanuatu, and Samoa. Palau, Tuvalu, and the Marshall Islands remain among the region’s states that have diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
The next Pacific Islands Forum summit is scheduled for next year in New Zealand.
