China conducted its first publicly acknowledged Pacific submarine-launched ballistic missile test on July 6, escalating regional military tensions amid competing strategic interests from the US and allies, while Pacific nations struggle to maintain unified peace stance.
Pacific states failed to agree on a statement condemning China's missile test due to opposition from some member states.
Pacific nations missed a chance to condemn China's missile test, says New Zealand's foreign minister.
China's July ballistic missile test into the Pacific exposed divisions among regional leaders over militarization, preventing Pacific Islands foreign ministers from issuing a unified condemnation despite the "Ocean of Peace" declaration aimed at keeping the region free from major-power rivalry.
Pacific nations failed to agree on a statement condemning China's missile test.
Solomon Islands reviews its 2022 security agreement with China for transparency.