Chinese Embassy In Kiribati Accuses Critics Of ‘Double Standards’ Over Missile Test

RNZ
Pacific reporters

The Chinese Embassy in Kiribati
has accused some countries of “double standards” in their
criticism of China’s testing of a nuclear-capable missile in
the South Pacific last week.

The test drew criticism
from political leaders from across the region, who
raised concerns about Beijing’s actions.

Palau’s
leader warned that it fuelled “nuclear
anxiety”, while the New Zealand prime minister described
it as “incredibly
unwelcome”.

However, in a social media post on
Sunday, a spokesperson for the embassy said the missile
warhead was a dummy and the “routine” test did not pose any
threat of harm, reiterating the same lines as Beijing’s
Foreign Ministry.

They said testing strategic missiles
is a common practice among nuclear-armed countries and “by
no means targeted Kiribati”.

“It is in line with
international law and international practice and is not
directed against any country or target.”

The
spokesperson said other countries, such as the United
States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia and India, have
conducted hundreds of nuclear tests and missile tests in the
Pacific and other oceans.

“China has only conducted 3
strategic missile tests since 1949 in the Pacific,” the
spokesperson said.

According to the spokesperson,
China does not accept the “hypocrisy” of countries who
accuse China of fuelling dangerous nuclear proliferation,
and undermining peace and stability in the region while
acquiring strategic nuclear submarines.

China-Kiribati
relations are friendly and robust, and the two nations have
supported each other for a long time, they said.

The
spokesperson called on the Kiribati people to be “objective
and rational” and “not be misled by countries and media that
hold prejudices against China”.

Kiribati officially
switched its diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in
September
2019.

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