China Missile Test Draws Strong Condemnation from Tuvalu, Pacific Nations

(CNA Sydney, July 8) Tuvalu, an ally of Taiwan, today expressed "grave and significant concern" over China's test launch of a submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, urging major powers not to treat the Pacific as a testing ground for weapons.

According to Agence France-Presse, a strategic nuclear submarine of the People's Liberation Army Navy launched a submarine-launched strategic missile with a "simulated warhead for training" at 12:01 PM on the 6th. Monitoring units indicated that the missile appeared to have landed in the Pacific Ocean between the Solomon Islands, Nauru, and Tuvalu.

Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo stated that Tuvalu, along with other Pacific leaders, expressed "grave and significant concern and disappointment" over China's test launch of a ballistic missile with nuclear capabilities.

Teo further stated in a press release that China's action contravenes the Pacific nations' call for a nuclear-free zone and urged "major powers not to treat the Pacific as a testing ground for their arsenals."

Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated today that Pacific island leaders are considering issuing a "very strongly worded" joint statement condemning China's missile test.

He told reporters in Brisbane, Australia's third-largest city, that the Pacific Islands Forum is currently circulating a draft statement among its 18 member nations for endorsement. He is scheduled to hold talks with the leaders of Papua New Guinea, the Kingdom of Tonga, and Samoa.

Albanese expressed hope that Pacific nations can unite to send a strong message to China.

Australia and Fiji signed an agreement establishing a defense cooperation relationship on July 6th, with China conducting its missile test just a few hours later.

Fijian Minister for Defence, Pio Tikoduadua, stated in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that he had warned the Chinese Embassy in Fiji against launching the missile. He said, "Missile tests are not conducive to mutual respect and trust."

He added that the test launch occurring while the Chinese research and measurement vessel "Yuan Wang 5," capable of tracking ballistic missile trajectories, was docked in a Fijian port was a "strange coincidence." (Compiled by Tsai Chia-min) 1150708

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