Tuvalu asked China to look for missile it fired on ocean floor
Tuvalu has requested assistance from China to locate a missile fired into its surrounding waters, but has received no response. The incident has caused diplomatic friction, with Pacific nations debating how to collectively address the lack of warning provided by China.
Why it matters
The incident underscores rising geopolitical tensions in the Pacific and the challenges smaller nations face regarding the military activities of major powers.
Reminder, this is a Premium article and requires a subscription to read.
Tuvalu Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Pasuna Tuaga. Photo / Ethan Griffiths
Tuvalu’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs says his Government asked China for help in locating the missile it fired into the ocean around his country in July.
Pasuna Tuaga told reporters at the Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers meeting that he had asked partners, including Australia, France, the United States and China itself, with locating the missile on the sea floor, which was nuclear-capable but carried a dummy warhead.
Tuaga said he made the remarks in a personal capacity and not as a representative of the government of Tuvalu.
“We approached the Chinese themselves … they didn’t want to mention anything.”
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in