Pacific Island leaders express concern after China missile test

KOROR, Palau - Pacific Islands Forum leaders agreed Thursday on a joint statement voicing concern over recent missile tests, in a move that effectively criticized a launch by China in July that landed in the South Pacific, as they wrapped up their four-day gathering in Koror.

The statement by the 18-member bloc urged all countries to provide at least 24 hours' advance notice of missile tests, while stressing respect for Pacific nations' sovereignty, according to Palau President Surangel Whipps, who chaired the summit and revealed the content of the statement at a press conference after the meeting.