CHINA: China’s recent test of a nuclear-capable ballistic missile over the Pacific has intensified regional security concerns and exposed growing divisions among Pacific Island nations over how to respond to increasing militarisation in the region.
The missile, launched in July, marked China’s first known ballistic missile test into the Pacific since September 2024 and took place just hours after Fiji and Australia signed a landmark defence treaty, Fiji’s first-ever formal military alliance. Although several Pacific leaders privately and publicly expressed concern, foreign ministers meeting in Suva, Fiji, failed to reach consensus on a joint statement condemning the launch, highlighting deep divisions within the region.
Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko described the missile test as “totally inappropriate,” saying that while China remains an important partner, the launch had heightened regional anxiety. He noted that Beijing had provided advance notice of the test but did not disclose where the missile would land.
Growing Military Competition Raises Pressure on Pacific Nations
The missile test comes amid expanding strategic competition between China and the United States across the Pacific. Over the past year, the region has witnessed increased Chinese naval deployments, military exercises, live-fire drills, and a growing number of defence partnerships involving the United States and its allies, including the AUKUS security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Pacific leaders had adopted the Ocean of Peace Declaration in 2025, committing to preserve the region as a zone of peace and reduce geopolitical tensions. However, analysts say the latest developments demonstrate the growing difficulty of maintaining neutrality as major powers expand their military presence.
Regional leaders are expected to revisit security and defence issues at the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum summit, where balancing strategic partnerships with the goal of preventing further militarisation is likely to dominate discussions.