Fiji president calls for respect and regional safety following China missile test News
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Fiji president calls for respect and regional safety following China missile test

Fijian President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has called for “respect for our region” and an end to missile testing in the Pacific following China’s recent launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

Speaking at the UN General Assembly on Thursday, Katonivere reminded the world of the Pacific Ocean’s troubling history as a nuclear weapons testing ground. Referring to China’s rare missile launch on Wednesday, he emphasized, “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.”

The ICBM, equipped with a dummy warhead, was launched by the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force at 8:44 AM Beijing time (0044 GMT) on Wednesday and “fell into expected sea areas,” according to a statement from the Chinese defense ministry.

China 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 also stressed that the activity was not directed at any specific country or target.

The US Defense Department said China gave advance notice of its ICBM test on Wednesday, calling it a “step in the right direction.” At a press briefing, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh emphasized the need for stronger military communication between the two nations and welcomed China’s notification, saying it helped reduce the risk of misperception and miscalculation.

However, the missile launch raised concerns across the region. Australia’s Treasurer Jim Chalmers discussed the test with his Beijing counterpart, while several other countries in the region also voiced concern.

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