Pacific Islands condemn China missile test

Pacific Island leaders and analysts have condemned China's ballistic missile test after monitors and Pacific officials said a dummy warhead landed between Nauru, Tuvalu and the Solomon Islands.

The submarine-launched missile, described as nuclear-capable and fitted with a dummy warhead, reached far into the Pacific Ocean after Monday's test. The reported landing point was in international waters, in a narrow area between surrounding exclusive economic zones.

China said the test was not directed at any country and did not breach international law.

Palau President Surangel Whipps, who will host an annual meeting of Pacific leaders next month, said the missile landed "right between our EEZs" and called the launch unannounced.

The Pacific Islands Forum's 18 members see themselves as custodians of a shared ocean space, with combined exclusive economic zones covering 25 million square kilometres. Pacific leaders often describe the region as a "Blue continent" to emphasise shared stewardship of the ocean.

A dozen Pacific countries have protested the test, including countries that have borrowed from China for infrastructure and the Solomon Islands, China's closest Pacific security partner.

International maritime law expert Donald Rothwell said exclusive economic zones give island states control over ocean resources and coast guard patrols, but do not prohibit missile tests.

Kiribati government minister Ruth Cross Kwansing said the Blue Pacific continent idea was central to the region's anger, arguing that the ocean is not an empty buffer zone between larger powers.

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape said Monday that it should be the last such missile test in Pacific waters, a message he directed not only to China but to all military powers.

Kwansing said all missile testing in the region, including China's, will be discussed at next month's Pacific leaders meeting.