Asia-Pacific

Pacific Forum Voices Concern Over Chinese Missile Test, Naoero Dissents

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By TaiwanPlus

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Pacific leaders have voiced concern over a Chinese missile test that flew over the region in July, calling for at least 24 hours’ advance notice of any future tests. The message was included in the Pacific Islands Forum’s joint communique, although Naoero -- formerly known as Nauru -- dissented, and a Kiribati representative was absent when the communique was adopted. The call comes after Pacific foreign ministers failed to agree on a joint statement condemning the missile test at an earlier meeting. Geopolitical tensions also surrounded Taiwan’s participation in the forum as a development partner amid warnings from Beijing. Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. said Taiwan will retain that status, as it has for more than three decades. Despite those tensions, leaders adopted a peace and security action plan, strengthened cooperation to combat transnational crime, and secured new funding pledges for the region. Next year's forum will be held in New Zealand.