Beijing says Palau hypes China’s Pacific missile test

The chair of the regional Pacific Islands Forum says he was hoping to gain

consensus from member nations to condemn a Chinese missile test

on the final day of the summit.

Referring to the July ballistic missile test in the Pacific by Beijing,

Surangel Whipps Jr, who is also the president of Palau,

says a unified Pacific voice on the subject matter

is critical in getting Beijing to respect sovereignty

and to be a responsible partner.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun

says at a latest press briefing that China continues to adhere to a path of peace.

“China has made its position cleared more than once on the test launch.

The Palau side handling the issue and

trying to taking other countries' positions as hostages

it is ill-intentioned and its attempt will not succeed.

China adheres to peaceful development, and adheres to a defensive

national defence policy. We do not seek military expansion.

China will work together with South Pacific Island countries

to contribute to peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the region,” he states.