By Pita Ligaiula in Koror, Palau
Pacific Islands Forum leaders have demanded at least 24 hours’ advance warning of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests after raising concerns over China’s recent missile test, which overflew several Pacific countries without adequate notice.
However, Palau President and Forum Chair Surangel Whipps Jr said the Republic of Nauru dissented from the leaders’ position.
“I might note that the Republic of Nauru has dissented,” President Whipps said when announcing the outcome of the leaders’ discussions.
While the Forum Leaders’ Communiqué did not name China, the call followed concerns over China’s recent ballistic missile test that crossed the Pacific region.
Leaders said states undertaking ICBM tests must provide advance notification and ensure transparency and reassurance in accordance with international practice.
“Leaders called on all States undertaking ICBM testing to ensure transparency and reassurance including through the provision of advance notification of at least 24 hours,” the communiqué said.
President Whipps said the leaders had agreed to register their concern over the missile test, while making clear that Nauru did not support the agreed language.
The communiqué said leaders had “registered concern” over the recent ICBM test, which overflew a number of Forum members without adequate notice.
“Leaders emphasised the importance of all States conducting ICBM tests to do so consistently with the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration, Treaty of Rarotonga and in respect of the sovereignty of Forum Members,” the communiqué said.
The missile concerns came as Forum leaders reaffirmed the Boe Declaration on Regional Security and the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration as the region’s main frameworks for peace and security.
The leaders said the region faces growing traditional and non-traditional security challenges, including geopolitical tensions, transnational organised crime, climate change, economic disruption and emerging strategic risks.
Leaders again declared that climate change remains the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of Pacific people and communities.
They endorsed the Regional Peace and Security Action Plan 2026-2030, calling for implementation led by member countries and backed by adequate resources.
Forum leaders also agreed in principle to the Waqa Moana Concept, a proposed regional mechanism aimed at strengthening cooperation against transnational organised crime and illicit drug trafficking.
The mechanism would strengthen intelligence sharing, coordination and maritime security cooperation, although leaders said further national consultations were required.
The communiqué also called for an integrated response to the social impacts of illicit drugs and wider transnational crime.
Leaders said prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and stronger community resilience must form part of the regional response.
They also endorsed the Pacific Humanitarian Response Coordination Mechanism Policy and Operating Guidelines to strengthen regional preparedness and humanitarian responses.
In another significant security decision, leaders agreed in principle to include the Pacific Police Ministers Meeting within the Forum architecture.
They also agreed to recognise the Joint Heads of Pacific Security (JHOPS) meeting within the regional peace and security architecture.
Further consultations will be held on governance, institutional arrangements and membership.
Leaders said any final arrangement must strengthen regional coordination, take account of the capacity and resource implications for member countries, complement existing mechanisms and avoid unnecessary duplication.
Leaders also considered proposals to strengthen the region’s response to crises and security threats.
They noted ongoing discussions on a proposed Integrated Regional Response Mechanism and Regional Operations Deployment Framework, with further consultations still required.
The leaders also acknowledged a proposal by the Solomon Islands Government to establish a Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Regional Security Treaty.
They encouraged members to give the proposal further consideration but said additional consultations were needed before any decision is taken.
The dissent by Nauru highlighted that, despite the Forum’s collective concern over the missile test and the call for advance notification, there was not unanimous agreement among all members on the final position.
