China missile test shakes Pacific islands' anti-nuclear unity

International relationsAustralia-led statement stalls as some neighbors shy away from condemnationOn July 6, China's military conducted a test launch of a missile carrying a training warhead from a submarine in the South Pacific. (Xinhua via Kyodo)YUKIO TAJIMA and RURIKA IMAHASHIAugust 4, 2026 03:59 JSTBEIJING/SYDNEY -- Pacific island nations are divided over last month's Chinese missile test in the region, unable to come together around an Australian-led effort to issue a joint statement condemning the launch.