Pacific nations fail to agree on joint criticism of Chinese missile test

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Wellington: Pacific island nations have failed to achieve an agreement on a united statement criticising China's recent missile launch, according to New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters. The dispute reflects different opinions among Pacific countries on how to respond to China's rising military and diplomatic presence in the region.

New Zealand has expressed alarm about the test, but several Pacific nations are unwilling to support wording that openly criticises China. As Australia, New Zealand, and the United States look to strengthen their own ties in the region, China is expanding its trade, development assistance, and security cooperation with Pacific island nations.

The difficulty of creating a unified Pacific stance on security matters involving significant powers is shown by the failure to declare a joint denial.