China tensions and new defence treaty on the agenda for Pacific foreign ministers' meeting
Winston Peters is in Suva, Fiji, along with foreign ministers from 17 other Pacific countries.
Foreign ministers from 17 Pacific countries are convening in Suva, Fiji, for the annual Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting to discuss tensions with China and the possibility of a new defence treaty. The meeting, which precedes the PIF Foreign Leaders Meeting in Palau, comes amid China's recent test-launch of a nuclear-capable ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean, a nuclear-free zone.
The missile firing has been met with condemnation from some Pacific leaders, though a unanimous statement from the nations has not been issued. China, a PIF partner country, recently provided the PIF secretariat with more than $1 million, which reaffirmed its commitment to regional development and cooperation. New Zealand is considering joining the Ocean of Peace Alliance, and the defence treaty commits its parties to act to meet common danger.
Winston Peters, New Zealand's Foreign Minister, acknowledged that China may view New Zealand's interest in the alliance as an act of provocation but insisted that New Zealand would defend itself. The meeting also addresses resilience, cooperation, climate change, and the role of PIF partner countries. Some Pacific Island leaders have expressed concerns about New Zealand and Australia's criticism of China's missile launch, fearing that it may push the nations towards alignment with either the US or China, potentially jeopardizing their sovereignty and economic ties.
Written by urgent.news from RNZ Pacific's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
