SYDNEY, July 7, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Solomon Islands leader Matthew Wale said Tuesday he had lodged a "strong protest" with Chinese diplomats on behalf of Pacific nations concerned by Beijing's recent missile test.

A Chinese submarine on Monday test-fired what observers have described as a long range nuclear-capable missile that splashed down in the Pacific Ocean.

The test was widely condemend by Australia, New Zealand and Japan -- although smaller Pacific nations have so far avoided making any comments.

"As chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, I have registered my strong protest with the ambassador," said Wale, referring to the region's top political bloc.

"Solomon Islands has also lodged a protest note," he told reporters in the capital Honiara.

Wale's criticism is noteworthy given Solomon Islands has for years been one of China's closest partners in the South Pacific.

"China is a good friend of Solomon Islands, but this is not something a friend does," Wale said.

"We don't want anyone testing their ICBMs in the Pacific region.

"Be our friend, but don't threaten us."

Monitors said the rocket appeared to land near the Solomon Islands, which forged a secretive security deal with China in 2022.

Wale has shown a slightly cooler attitude towards Beijing since he was elected prime minister earlier this year, and has committed to reviewing the security pact with China.

A top official on Taiwan's National Security Council said the projectile appeared to be a JL-2 ballistic missile, a potent weapon with a range covering thousands of kilometres.

"China just proved itself again to be a bully on the block," council secretary-general Joseph Wu said on social media.