Pacific Nations Split Over July 6 China Missile Test, Stalling Australian Rebuke
Updated
Updated · Nikkei Asia · Aug 3
Pacific Nations Split Over July 6 China Missile Test, Stalling Australian Rebuke
3 articles · Updated · Nikkei Asia · Aug 3
Summary
Pacific island nations have failed to unite behind an Australian-led statement condemning China’s July 6 missile test in the South Pacific, exposing a regional split over how to respond.
The deadlock follows a Chinese military launch of a missile carrying a training warhead from a submarine, a rare show of force in a region where Beijing has been expanding its presence.
Australia has pushed for a joint rebuke, but some neighboring states have shied away from direct condemnation, preventing a collective response.
The impasse highlights how China’s security activities are testing Pacific diplomacy and complicating Canberra’s efforts to rally regional partners.