Pacific island states are trapped in Cold War 2.0

AI Summary

China conducted its first nuclear submarine missile test in the South Pacific, escalating tensions in the region with the US and Australia angered by the move. Pacific island nations showed mixed reactions, with some criticizing the test while others remain cautious amidst a renewed Cold War dynamic.

In early July, China fired a test missile from a nuclear submarine into the South Pacific for the first time, a weapon capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Washington and Canberra were livid. The Pacific has long been the exclusive testing ground for such long-range missiles from the United States. How dare China! The reaction from Pacific island states was more measured. While leaders from Tuvalu, Palau and the Solomon Islands strongly criticised the test, the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum...