By Pita Ligaiula in Koror, Palau
Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Divavesi Waqa says missile testing in the Pacific is a concern for regional leaders, but any response must take into account the sovereign positions of individual Forum members.
Speaking to journalists in Palau during the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) Regional Media Training Workshop, Waqa was asked whether China’s ballistic missile testing would again be on the agenda at next week’s Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, following extensive discussions on the issue at the Foreign Ministers Meeting.
“Well, I think anything to do with missile testing in our region is of concern to our leaders,” Waqa said.
He said the Forum’s response would depend on the positions taken by individual member governments.
“How we approach this and where we place ourselves in making a statement all depends on sovereign positions,” he said.
Waqa was also asked whether concerns about China’s missile testing could lead to calls for similar scrutiny of other powers, including the United States, which also conducts missile testing in the region.
He said Pacific leaders wanted a strong and broad position on missile testing.
“We all want to make a strong statement to everyone, not just China,” Waqa said.
He said the final position would be determined by Forum leaders during their discussions.
“But this meeting is for leaders, and they will determine that,” he said.
“Their conversation will bring something that I – bring something out that everyone is comfortable with,” said Waqa.
The theme of this year’s meeting is B.E.L.A.U. – Building Economies: Life. Action. Unity., reflecting the collective ambition and priorities of our Forum Leaders as we come together to advance regional cooperation and shared progress.
The Forum Leaders Meeting will take place from 31 August to 4 September 2026.
