China’s missile test exposes lack of unity among Pacific island nations

China's Missile Test Strains Pacific Relations and Revives Security Pact Debate

Pacific island nations are confronting a security challenge in the wake of China's recent missile launch near Tuvalu, a move that has intensified debate over a proposed regional security pact. The test, described by Beijing as routine annual military training, has drawn criticism from some leaders while exposing divisions within the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

The Missile Launch and Regional Reactions

On July 6, China announced that one of its navy's nuclear submarines had launched a "strategic missile" carrying a dummy warhead towards "relevant high seas of the Pacific Ocean." Beijing described the test as routine annual military training that complied with international law and was "not directed at any specific country or target," and said it had notified relevant countries in advance. However, the missile appeared to have landed near the exclusive economic zones of Tuvalu and Kiribati, roughly 1,000km northeast of the Solomon Islands, prompting concerns about the short warning period.

The test has revived historical sensitivities in a region that has long been cautious of missile tests due to the hundreds of nuclear tests conducted by the US, UK, and France in the second half of the 20th century. Leaders from Tuvalu, Palau, and the Solomon Islands have strongly criticised the launch, but the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum, meeting in Suva, Fiji, failed to draft a united statement against it.

Australia's Perspective and the Security Pact Proposal

Australian Pacific Minister Pat Conroy told ABC's Insiders that the test "damaged China's standing in the region" and argued it has strengthened the case for a regional security pact. The incident coincided with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's diplomatic mission to the region, occurring just hours after he signed a mutual-defence agreement with Fiji.

"I don't think this was conducive to China's standing in the region," Mr Conroy said. Asked whether the missile test had emboldened countries to pursue a regional security agreement, he said the incident underscored the need for Pacific-led security. "I think it demonstrates that the Pacific security can only be provided from within the Pacific," he said, adding that such a pact would take time and would require consensus among Pacific leaders.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has been advocating for a regional security pact ahead of next month's PIF leaders' meeting. He pointed to the missile test as strengthening the case, stating, "China is a good friend of the Solomon Islands, but this is not something a friend does."

Calls for Strengthened Defence Capabilities

Mr Conroy also warned that conflict in the Indo-Pacific would have severe global consequences and said the region is experiencing its largest military build-up since the end of the second world war. When pressed on whether Australia's defence force could protect the country from a strike like the one China launched, Mr Conroy said the government was strengthening Australia's position through diplomacy and defence resourcing.

Analysts Highlight Divisions Among Pacific Nations

Analysts cited in the South China Morning Post note that the diverse nature of Pacific nations' ties with Beijing is complicating efforts towards a united response. While some leaders have vocally condemned the test, others maintain closer relationships with China, making a collective stance difficult to achieve.

The differing reactions underscore the diplomatic tightrope many Pacific nations walk, balancing security concerns with economic and political partnerships with Beijing.