Fijian President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has urged respect for the Pacific region and called for the cessation of missile testing following China’s recent launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Katonivere reminded attendees of the Pacific Ocean’s troubling history as a nuclear weapons testing ground.
“There was a unilateral test firing of a ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean. We urge respect for our region and call for cessation of such action,” said Katonivere. His remarks come after the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force of China launched the ICBM, equipped with a dummy warhead, at 8:44 AM Beijing time (0044 GMT) on Wednesday. According to the Chinese defense ministry’s statement, the missile “fell into expected sea areas.”
China has reiterated its commitment to its no first use nuclear policy, emphasizing that the missile launch was part of a routine military training exercise conducted in accordance with international law and practice. The Chinese defense ministry stressed that the activity was not directed at any specific country or target.
The US Defense Department acknowledged China’s advance notice of its ICBM test, which they saw as a “step in the right direction.” Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh highlighted the need for stronger military communication between the two nations to reduce the risk of misperception and miscalculation. For more details, see the Pentagon press briefing.
However, the missile launch has raised concerns across the region, with Australia’s Treasurer Jim Chalmers discussing the test with his Beijing counterpart. Several other countries in the region have also voiced their concerns, highlighting the growing regional unease surrounding such military activities.
For the full details of the statement made by President Katonivere, refer to his address at the UN General Assembly.
More information and detailed analysis can be found in the original article on Jurist.