Fiji urges 'respect for our region' after China missile test

27/9/2024 15:47

        Fijian President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere called for "respect for our region" and a stop to missile tests in the Pacific Ocean, after China launched an intercontinental ballistic missile.
        
        In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, Katonivere recalled the Pacific Ocean's history as a nuclear weapons testing ground, and noted Wednesday's rare launch by China of an intercontinental ballistic missile.
        
        "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," he said.
        The ICBM, carrying a dummy warhead, was launched by the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force at 8:44 a.m. Beijing time on Wednesday and "fell into expected sea areas," the Chinese defence ministry said on Wednesday.
        
        Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers said he had raised the missile test in a meeting with his counterpart in Beijing.
        
        In French Polynesia, media reported the missile landed near to the French Pacific territory's exclusive economic zone, with President Moetai Brotherson expressing surprise and concern.