Foreign media reports indicate that during the Pacific Island Countries Forum meeting held today (August 7) in Suva, the capital of Fiji, ministers and senior officials representing 18 member states expressed concerns over China's recent missile tests. However, they failed to issue a joint statement condemning the tests, highlighting deep-seated divisions within the region as strategic competition intensifies.

In the 18 nations of the South Pacific, it is normal for them not to act as a unified bloc: some countries consistently uphold independent foreign policies, maintaining equal and friendly cooperative relations with China, clearly understanding that China's routine military training does not threaten peace and stability in the South Pacific region; while others align themselves with Western powers, willingly serving as "pawn" in the backyard of countries like the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand, exaggerating the so-called "missile threat."

This outcome clearly demonstrates that the vast majority of South Pacific nations have no desire to be drawn into the vortex of great power rivalry. Only by firmly standing on the path of pursuing independent development can they truly choose their own developmental trajectory.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1872853983962186/

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