PAPUA New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has urged major powers to keep the Pacific out of military rivalry after China fired a nuclear-capable ballistic missile into waters near Tuvalu.
Marape called on world powers to regard the region as an “Ocean of Peace”.
He said Papua New Guinea respected the sovereignty of all countries and their rights under international law but said the Pacific should not be used for weapons testing or preparations for war.
“Our Pacific is an Ocean of Peace,” he said, adding that the concept reflected the consistent aspiration of Pacific Islands Forum leaders and the region’s Blue Pacific vision,” Marape said.
“We want our ocean to remain clean, peaceful and dedicated to sustaining life – not to military rivalry or preparations for war.”
He said the Pacific still carried the legacy of wars and nuclear tests imposed by outside powers.
“Our region has lived through war, nuclear testing and military activities imposed upon us by larger powers. We do not want history repeated.’’
Marape said the appeal was not directed at China alone, but at all military powers.
“This message is not directed only at China. It applies equally to the United States, France, Japan, the United Kingdom and every nation with military capability,” he said.
He said Pacific waters should not be used for missile testing or military trials of any kind.
“If you respect the Pacific and its people, then please respect our ocean,” Marape said.
“We ask all major powers to refrain from using Pacific waters for missile testing, military weapons trials or any activity that contributes to conflict or militarisation.”
Marape said he would raise Papua New Guinea’s concerns directly with Chinese leaders through diplomatic channels, while continuing to press the same position with other partners.
Papua New Guinea established diplomatic relations with China in 1976, and this year marks 50 years of ties, Marape said, describing the relationship as longstanding, genuine and founded on mutual respect.
