China’s recent ballistic missile test in the Pacific Ocean has sparked significant concern in French Polynesia, with local leaders voicing their apprehensions. The missile reportedly landed approximately 700 kilometers away from the Marquesas Islands, though it was outside the region’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Chinese officials stated they had notified various 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 China’s first missile launch in the Pacific in over forty years, although long-range missile tests are a regular occurrence for the country, as noted by Stanton Senior Fellow Ankit Panda.
In the wake of the launch, nations such as Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Fiji, and Palau have expressed concerns about its implications for regional stability. French Polynesia’s pro-independence President, Moetai Brotherson, publicly expressed his distress about not having been informed ahead of time, stating he would seek explanations from both the French authorities and the Chinese diplomatic representatives.
Just hours after his statement, Brotherson attended a function hosted by the Chinese Consul General, Lixiao Tian, in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. During the event, discussions regarding the missile test occurred, with Spitz emphasizing that the missile had an “inert load” and confirmed the advance notification given to French authorities.
Lixiao described the missile test as an “annual training program” that posed no threat, reinforcing China’s commitment to maintaining world peace and harmony while expressing a desire to strengthen cooperation with French Polynesia, particularly in tourism, agriculture, and black pearl exports. He also invited Brotherson and his delegation to visit China.
Brotherson acknowledged the tension between global superpowers in the Pacific, drawing an analogy that the region feels like “a grain of rice in the ocean” amidst rising geopolitical rivalries. Nonetheless, during the celebration, well-wishes were exchanged to honor China’s 75 years.
Senator Teva Rohfritsch remained skeptical regarding the missile test, sharing his concerns with top French leaders, including President Macron. Rhe asserted that French Polynesia’s residents were “profoundly shocked” and pressed for a clear message from France to ensure peace in the Pacific. Recently, France’s outgoing military commander in the region highlighted rising tensions and a need for preparedness against new military developments in the Pacific, particularly the growing presence of Chinese vessels near the EEZ.
As military and diplomatic scrutiny intensifies, French Polynesia’s leaders are calling for action to safeguard the region’s stability and address the heightened tensions.