Fiji, Sept. 2 -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says China's recent ballistic missile test in the Pacific was "not acceptable" and "not the act of a friend," as Pacific leaders prepare for major discussions at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau.

Speaking to journalists in Koror, Albanese rejected suggestions that the absence of some Pacific leaders could weaken a collective regional response to the missile test.

"I think that this is a well-attended meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum, and I don't think it's productive to talk it down. I'm talking it up.

"With regard to China's ballistic missile test, we've made it very clear that that is not acceptable. It's not the act of a friend. It was a provocati...