PNG Prime Minister James Marape has called on all major military powers to respect the Pacific as an “Ocean of Peace” following China’s test launch of a strategic ballistic missile into international waters in the South Pacific.
In a statement yesterday, PM Marape said the region should never become a theatre for military competition.
PM Marape said while Papua New Guinea respects the sovereignty of all nations and their rights under international law, the Pacific Ocean must remain free from weapons testing and military activities that threaten regional peace and security.
“Our Pacific is an Ocean of Peace,” he said.
“That has been the consistent aspiration of Pacific Islands Forum leaders and is reflected in our Blue Pacific Continent vision.”
“We want our ocean to remain clean, peaceful and dedicated to sustaining life—not to military rivalry or preparations for war.”
PM Marape said Pacific nations continued to live with the legacy of conflicts and military activities imposed on the region by larger powers.
“Our region has lived through war, nuclear testing and military activities imposed upon us by larger powers. We do not want history repeated,” he said.
“We want our waters to be free from nuclear testing and from the testing of harmful weapons and military arsenals of every kind—whether launched from the air, from the sea or from the land.”
He described the Pacific Ocean as one of the world’s most valuable, shared resources, serving as a global carbon sink, supporting rich marine biodiversity and sustaining fisheries that provide food and livelihoods for millions of people.
PM Marape said the ocean should be preserved for life rather than military activities associated with conflict.
He reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s longstanding relationship with the People’s Republic of China, noting that the country has consistently upheld the One China Policy since establishing diplomatic relations in 1976 and is this year celebrating 50 years of diplomatic ties.
“Our friendship with China is longstanding, genuine and founded on mutual respect. Papua New Guinea has consistently maintained that our relationships with other partners will never compromise our friendship with China,” he said.
“It is in that same spirit of friendship that I respectfully appeal to our Chinese friends that this be the last such missile test conducted in Pacific waters.”
PM Marape stressed that his appeal extended beyond China to all countries with military capability.
“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.
“If you respect the Pacific and its people, then please respect our ocean.”
“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 militarization.”
PM Marape said Papua New Guinea would convey its concerns directly to the Chinese Government through diplomatic channels while continuing to advocate the same position with all of the country’s international partners.
“The Pacific Ocean belongs to all of humanity. It is a priceless global asset that must remain clean, green and blue,” he said.
“Our appeal is respectful but firm. Let the Pacific remain an Ocean of Peace—for our children, for future generations of Pacific Islanders, and for the benefit of all mankind.”