Fiji backs united Pacific stance on missile testing

Fiji has backed New Zealand’s push for a united Pacific response opposing missile testing in the region’s waters, despite divisions among Pacific Islands Forum members.

Fiji is among countries supporting a proposed joint statement by Pacific Island countries expressing concerns over China’s missile testing activities in the Pacific.

The issue was among key matters discussed during the Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva.

The proposal is understood to have generated significant debate, with Kiribati and the Republic of Nauru opposing the statement.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Sakiasi Ditoka said Fiji supported regional unity and believed missile testing in Pacific waters was inconsistent with the vision of a peaceful and secure Pacific.

"We cannot prosper in an area where there are hostility and competition for power, and we believe firing missiles in this area will not contribute to the kind of region we want," Mr Ditoka told the Fiji Sun.

"That's Fiji's position. We'd like to stand together with the rest of the region as a united Pacific, doing what is best for the region, which means ensuring it is safe and secure for all its members."

Mr Ditoka said Fiji supported presenting a united regional position as geopolitical tensions continued to rise.

"We have to stand together to make our position strong, and that's been the general consensus. That's what Fiji supports in all aspects of how we present ourselves, whether it's security, disaster resilience or economic development.

"Fiji supports everything that has been discussed so far, and we stand by the principle of working together as a region in presenting ourselves to the world."

Further discussions on the issue are expected at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau from August 30 to September 4, 2026, if members decide to revisit the matter.