Pacific unity tested in Fiji as Forum ministers fail to agree on China missile test response

The Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting has ended in Suva without agreement on a joint response to China's missile test over the Pacific last month.

This has left the issue to be taken up by regional leaders in Palau later this month.

The failure to reach consensus in Fiji has highlighted the challenge facing Forum members as strategic competition in the Pacific continues to intensify.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said two Forum members blocked a joint statement on the July missile launch.

"Some countries were being influenced by those outside the region," Peters told reporters after Friday's meeting.

But Peters did not identify the countries or the outside influence.

Pacific foreign ministers and officials gather in Suva for the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting, with regional security, climate change and development among key issues discussed. Photo/Pacific Islands Forum

He said the discussion would now continue when Pacific leaders gather for the Forum Leaders Meeting in Koror later this month.

"The Pacific is a blue continent, peaceful, secure and that our job as the temporary servants serving these people is to make sure it stays that way."

Reuters reported an official familiar with the talks said Nauru and Kiribati did not support the proposed statement.

China's missile test into the Pacific in July has raised security concerns across the region and prompted calls for a collective Pacific response. Photo/Instagram

Other media reports suggested Vanuatu also resisted stronger language.

Despite the disagreement, ministers repeatedly stressed the need for Pacific countries to remain united as they navigate growing geopolitical competition.

Opening the meeting, Forum Foreign Ministers chair and Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela urged members to keep regional priorities at the centre of every decision.

"The Pacific's agenda must continue to be conceived by the Pacific, shaped by the Pacific and only by the Pacific," Houenipwela said.

Even as the region faces a more complex strategic environment, he said the response should avoid division.

"Instead, it should create regional solidarity, strong consensus, and continue confidence."

Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong and New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters meet on the sidelines of the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting in Suva. Photo/Pacific Islands Forum

Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Baron Divavesi Waqa echoed that message, reminding ministers that the Forum's strength has always rested on the Pacific Way.

"The strategic environment around us continues to evolve," Waqa's statement read. "The principle of the Pacific Way, that has guided the Pacific Islands Forum for more than five decades remain unchanged - regional solidarity, consensus and collective ownership."

Waqa said the Forum Secretariat remained committed to supporting "a Forum that is increasingly strategic, responsive and implementation focused", capable of anticipating new challenges and delivering on leaders' priorities.

While security dominated headlines, minister also turned their attention to climate action.

Fiji confirmed preparations are on track for hosting the Pre-COP31 Meeting later this year.

The government said the success of the gathering should be judged by progress in climate negotiations and not by the number of world leaders who attend.

Fiji officials say preparations are progressing for the Pre-COP31 Meeting, with climate finance, adaptation and loss and damage among key priorities for Pacific countries. Photo/Pacific Islands Forum

"The success of the Pre-COP31 Meeting should not be measured solely by the number of Heads of Government or Heads of State in attendance," Fiji's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade said.

"Rather, it should be measured by whether it helps build consensus, narrows differences in negotiating positions, and advances substantive progress towards successful outcomes at COP31."

Climate finance, adaptation and loss and damage are expected to be among the key issues.

Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who attended the Suva meeting, also stressed the importance of regional cooperation.

"At a time of global uncertainty, it is more important than ever that Pacific countries work together to advance our shared interests, uphold Pacific priorities and strengthen the peace, stability and prosperity of our region."

Forum leaders are expected to revisit regional security, climate action and the Pacific's collective response to increasing global competition when they meet at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Koror, Palau, from 30 August to 4 September.