China's missile test into nuclear-free Pacific waters set to dominate Forum foreign ministers' meeting in Suva

China test-launched a nuclear-capable ballistic missile with a dummy warhead into Pacific Ocean waters designated a nuclear-free zone under the Treaty of Rarotonga, giving only hours' warning. Foreign ministers from 18 Pacific Islands Forum states, including New Zealand's Winston Peters, meet in Suva on 7 August 2026. Otago University professor Robert Patman said consensus on a unified response may prove difficult given members' varied ties with Beijing. China is itself a Forum partner and in June gave the secretariat more than USD $1 million.