During the United Nations General Assembly on September 26, Fijian President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere urged “respect for our region” and called for an end to missile testing in the Pacific. This appeal came after China recently launched an intercontinental ballistic missile in the Pacific region.
In his address at the UN General Assembly, Katonivere reflected on the history of the Pacific being used as a nuclear weapons testing site, specifically mentioning China’s intercontinental ballistic missile test on Wednesday, September 25.
“This was a unilateral ballistic missile test launched into the Pacific. We call for respect for our region and demand an end to such actions,” stated Katonivere.
China’s Ministry of National Defense confirmed on Wednesday that the intercontinental ballistic missile, carrying a dummy warhead, was launched by the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force in the morning and landed in the expected area.
Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers raised the missile test during discussions with Beijing counterparts. Reports from French Polynesia indicated that the missile fell near the exclusive economic zone of the French Pacific territory, prompting surprise and concern from Polynesian President Moetai Brotherson.
Local media reported that upon learning of the missile launch from media reports, Brotherson sent a letter of protest to the Chinese Embassy.
New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters expressed concerns over China’s missile launch in a statement, highlighting the widespread apprehension caused by the incident.
Many analysts view China’s decision to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile during the UN General Assembly as a provocative move, posing a potential challenge to regional and global peace and stability.
(Adapted from a Reuters report)