China’s recent missile test in the Pacific Ocean last week has caused significant concern in French Polynesia, although a subsequent event hosted by Chinese officials appears to have alleviated some local tensions.
The ballistic missile test reportedly occurred approximately 700 kilometers from the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia, falling outside the nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). China claimed it had informed various Pacific nations, including France, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, about the test ahead of time. This was confirmed by Eric Spitz, the French High Commissioner in French Polynesia.
This test marks the first missile launch by China into the Pacific Ocean in over 40 years. While Ankit Panda, a senior fellow at the Stanton Foundation, noted that China regularly conducts long-range missile tests, the event has raised alarms among regional players such as Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Fiji, and Palau about its implications for stability in the Pacific.
In response, Moetai Brotherson, the pro-independence President of French Polynesia, expressed his concerns about not being notified prior to the launch. He indicated plans to seek clarification from both Spitz and French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as to communicate his disappointment to China’s diplomatic representatives in the region.
Just hours after expressing these concerns, Brotherson attended a celebration hosted by Lixiao Tian, the Chinese Consul General, honoring the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. During the event, discussions about the missile test occurred, with Spitz emphasizing that the missile carried an “inert load” and fell into international waters, and reiterated that Chinese authorities had notified their French counterparts prior to the launch.
Lixiao described the missile test as “part of a yearly training program” that poses no threat, assuring the local populace that China remains committed to promoting peace and harmony globally. He also expressed his government’s intention to bolster cooperation and “friendship” with French Polynesia, with potential developments in tourism, agriculture, and black pearl exports, and extended an invitation to Brotherson and his delegation to visit China.
Brotherson further echoed sentiments of regret regarding the launch, noting it underscored the tense dynamics between the superpowers, namely the US and China, in the Pacific region and likened the situation to “a grain of rice in the ocean.”
Teva Rohfritsch, an MP representing French Polynesia in the French Senate, remains skeptical about the situation. He reported that he has contacted high-level French authorities, including President Macron, to request a “strong and clear” response regarding the missile launch. Rohfritsch stated that the local community felt “profoundly shocked” and that it is imperative for France to reassure the population about the military and diplomatic measures in place to maintain peace in the region.
In August, the outgoing Commander of the French Armed Forces in French Polynesia highlighted increasing tensions in the Pacific, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in light of a growing military presence in the area, including that of Chinese vessels. He asserted the necessity of protecting the interests of French Polynesia and its inhabitants.