Palau President Whipps said he hopes the 18 member states of the Pacific Islands Forum will condemn China's July 6 missile test in a joint statement issued at the end of the summit.
China's Foreign Ministry said Palau has repeatedly hyped up the issue, and stated that the relevant missile tests were conducted under safe conditions, and that China is willing to work with South Pacific countries to maintain regional peace, stability and prosperity.
Australian Prime Minister Albanese said in an interview that China's notification of its missile test was insufficient and did not conform to international practice.
Beijing says Taiwan is not qualified to take part in the Pacific Islands Forum and expressed dissatisfaction over Taiwan's attendance at this year's forum.
The leaders of Palau, Australia and New Zealand said that Pacific Islands Forum affairs should be determined by the Forum itself.
The U.S. State Department said it will deepen partnerships with Pacific Island countries, providing more than $150 million in funding, and work with partners including Taiwan on hospital construction, drinking water sampling and other projects in Palau.
The U.S. State Department announced that 41 countries issued a joint statement saying that China's missile test did not follow the standard notification and coordination practices adopted by most countries, and called for the establishment of a transparent and routine advance notification mechanism.
在2026年环太军演进行期间,中国向太平洋发射导弹,引发美军及日本海上自卫队等参演方的高度关注与持续监测。