China’s recent missile test in the Pacific Ocean has caused significant concern in French Polynesia, although a subsequent event hosted by China appears to have eased local tensions. The ballistic missile was reported to have landed approximately 700 kilometers from the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia, although it fell outside the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
China stated it had informed Pacific nations, including France, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, prior to the launch, a claim confirmed by Eric Spitz, the French High Commissioner in French Polynesia. This marked the first missile test by China in the Pacific in over 40 years, though experts note that such long-range missile tests are part of China’s routine military activities.
In the wake of the missile launch, several countries, including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Fiji, and Palau, have voiced concerns about the implications for stability in the Pacific region. Moetai Brotherson, the President of French Polynesia, expressed his worries, indicating he was not informed before the launch took place. He plans to seek clarification from both the French High Commissioner and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Brotherson also expressed intentions to deliver a letter to the Chinese diplomatic representative in French Polynesia, containing concerns about the missile launch and disappointment over the lack of prior notification.
Shortly after, Brotherson attended a function held by Chinese Consul General Lixiao Tian in honor of the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. During this event, Brotherson, Spitz, and the Consul General delivered speeches addressing various topics, including the missile test. The French High Commissioner assured attendees that the missile carried an “inert load” and confirmed that Chinese authorities had properly notified French authorities ahead of the launch.
In his address, Lixiao emphasized that the missile launch was part of a routine training program and asserted that it posed no threat. He expressed China’s commitment to maintaining peace and cooperation with French Polynesia, highlighting potential collaborations in tourism, agriculture, and exports.
Following the event, Brotherson mirrored concerns about rising tensions in the Pacific, likening the situation to being “a grain of rice in the ocean” as the United States and China closely monitor one another’s activities.
Senator Teva Rohfritsch, a local politician, voiced his skepticism regarding the missile test, expressing that he felt compelled to communicate his concerns to French authorities and requested a decisive response from Paris. He characterized the local population’s reaction as one of profound shock, asserting that this situation warranted a strong national response for peace in the region.
In recent months, tensions in the Pacific have escalated, according to outgoing French Armed Forces Commander in French Polynesia, Geoffroy d’Andigné. He noted military movements, including Chinese vessels approaching the EEZ, signaling an increasing military presence in the region.
As d’Andigné transitioned his command to Commodore Guillaume Pinget, he emphasized the need for preparedness and the role of French forces in safeguarding the interests of Polynesia and its people.