Naoero and Kiribati blocked a regional statement criticizing China’s recent ballistic missile test during a tense Pacific foreign ministers meeting in Suva, according to New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters, sparking friction over Beijing’s regional influence.
PIF Ministers Clash Over China Missile Test Statement
Pacific foreign ministers failed to reach a consensus on issuing a joint statement addressing China’s recent ballistic missile test, following a failure to reach a consensus the month prior. According to multiple Pacific Islands Forum sources cited by the ABC, Kiribati and Naoero—formerly known as Nauru—refused to support the measure during the meeting in Suva. Both nations have cultivated closer diplomatic ties with Beijing in recent years.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed clear frustration following the session. According to Mr. Peters, “two countries” effectively stalled the joint communique. “They were seeking to use the need for consensus as a veto provision,” he said, adding that “we made it clear that wasn’t the Pacific way.” Mr. Peters also asserted that the objecting nations were responding to an outside partner’s wishes, stating that outsiders should not dictate policy to regional insiders.
Winston Peters and Penny Wong Push for Regional Leadership
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong joined New Zealand in pressing the gathering to take a unified stand on the missile launch. Ms. Wong told Pacific ministers that the region needed to display leadership on matters of security and stability, according to official statements. She noted that several Pacific governments had already published individual statements criticizing the test.
“The majority of Pacific leaders have spoken loudly and clearly about their concerns regarding China’s ballistic missile test, including the importance of respect for sovereignty, transparency and notification,” Ms. Wong said. An official from another PIF nation described Kiribati’s stance in private as “absurd,” accusing the country of lecturing peers on consensus while ignoring the clear sentiment of the room. Despite the stalemate, sources confirmed that all PIF members agreed to keep discussing the issue ahead of the upcoming PIF Leaders’ Meeting in Palau.
Did You Know?
The Pacific Islands Forum uses a consensus-based decision-making model.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the diplomatic friction at the Pacific Islands Forum meeting?
Friction arose when Kiribati and Naoero blocked a proposed joint statement criticizing China’s recent ballistic missile test, using the forum’s consensus requirement as a veto.
Which countries pushed for the regional statement?
Australia and New Zealand led the push for the Pacific Islands Forum to issue a united condemnation of the missile test.
What is the next step for Pacific leaders regarding the missile test issue?
While the final foreign ministers communique remains silent on the test, all PIF members agreed to continue discussions ahead of the Leaders’ Meeting in Palau.
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