Palau urges ‘unified’ China response

Palau’s president yesterday called for a “unified” Pacific response to a missile test by China in July, while Taiwan and its Pacific allies a day earlier at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) reaffirmed their commitment to peace, stability and prosperity.China gave only a handful of nations short notice before test-firing an intercontinental ballistic missile in July, sparking condemnation from several Pacific leaders.The 18-member PIF being held in Palau was expected to release a communique after press time last night, with a formal response to the test possibly included. Palauan President Surangel Samuel Whipps Jr attends the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders plenary meeting in Koror on Wednesday. Photo: AFP Palau, which invited Taiwan to attend sideline events as an aid partner, urged the regi