At the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Koror, Palau, Pacific leaders failed to issue a unanimous statement condemning China's ballistic missile launch. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela, and Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Baron Waqa spoke at a news conference on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, in Koror.
Photos taken by Associated Press photographer Charlotte Graham-McLay show New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela, Federated States of Micronesia President Wesley Simina, and other delegates attending the meeting.
Following the forum, leaders were unable to reach a unanimous condemnation of China's missile launch, reflecting geopolitical tensions in the region. Participants' views differed, but full consensus was not achieved.
During the forum, flags of Pacific island nations were displayed, and President Wesley Simina of Micronesia was seen reacting ahead of a closing ceremony.
This event underscores divisions in the Pacific region regarding China's military activity. The leaders' failure to issue a joint statement reflects complex international relations in the area.
Associated Press published this news on Sept. 3, 2026.