Pacific Islands Forum yet to issue statement on China missile test
The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) has yet to issue a formal statement regarding China's recent intercontinental ballistic missile test. While Australian officials suggested a joint statement was being drafted, the consensus-based nature of the forum has delayed the process.
Why it matters
The delay highlights the diplomatic complexities and geopolitical balancing acts Pacific nations face regarding major power competition.
Australia's Pacific Minister Pat Conroy has brushed off questions about whether the Pacific's premier regional body will issue a statement condemning China's intercontinental ballistic missile test earlier this month.
A couple of days after the launch, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said members of the Pacific Islands Forum were drafting a "very strong" joint statement criticising the test, suggesting that it would be issued soon. "PIF will only issue a statement that has been endorsed by all countries," said foreign affairs reporter Stephen Dziedzic. "A spokesperson for the Foreign Minister got back to me yesterday, saying PIF leaders have, 'very clearly expressed the Pacific want to be peaceful and that members of the forum have been engaging'."
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