China’s recent missile test in the Pacific Ocean sparked significant concern in French Polynesia, although a subsequent event hosted by China helped to alleviate some local worries.
The ballistic missile reportedly landed approximately 700 kilometers from the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia’s vicinity, but it was outside the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). China claimed it had alerted Pacific nations, including France, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, prior to the launch, a statement confirmed by Eric Spitz, the French High Commissioner in French Polynesia.
This marked the first time in over forty years that China has conducted a missile test in the Pacific, although long-range missile tests are a routine part of China’s military operations, according to Stanton Senior Fellow Ankit Panda. Following the launch, nations such as Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Fiji, and Palau expressed their worries over the potential implications for the stability of the Pacific region.
French Polynesia’s pro-independence President Moetai Brotherson voiced his concerns, particularly regarding a lack of prior notification about the missile test. He plans to seek clarification from both the French High Commissioner and President Emmanuel Macron, as well as address his concerns to the Chinese diplomatic representative in the territory.
Brotherson indicated his intention to personally deliver a letter expressing his discontent regarding the launch and the lack of prior communication about it. The situation took a different turn just hours later when both Brotherson and Spitz attended a reception hosted by Chinese Consul General Lixiao Tian to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.
During this gathering, the missile issue was addressed, with the French High Commissioner stating that the missile carried an “inert load” that fell into international waters of the Pacific Ocean and that China had adequately notified French authorities before the launch. Spitz added that the French government would share its position on the launch at an appropriate time if deemed necessary.
Lixiao described the missile launch as part of an annual training program, asserting that it did not pose a threat and emphasizing China’s commitment to world peace and cooperation with French Polynesia, mentioning potential growth in tourism, agriculture, and black pearl exports.
In his remarks, Brotherson reflected on the broader implications of the missile test, likening the region’s position amid superpower tensions to “a grain of rice in the ocean.” While local leaders raised their glasses to toast China’s anniversary, some, like Teva Rohfritsch, a French Polynesian MP, remained skeptical. He expressed his doubts about the justification of the launch, citing a lack of recent precedents since the 1980s and the shock it caused within the local population.
Rohfritsch communicated his concerns to French authorities, urging for a clear response from France to reassure the people of French Polynesia about military and diplomatic measures needed to maintain peace in the Pacific. His remarks followed warnings from the former French Armed Forces commander in the region about rising tensions and the necessity for preparedness due to increased foreign military activity in the area, particularly by Chinese vessels approaching the EEZ over the past years.