A recent missile test conducted by China in the Pacific Ocean has raised concerns in French Polynesia, though diplomatic efforts appear to have alleviated tensions locally. The ballistic missile reportedly landed approximately 700 kilometers from the Marquesas Islands, outside of the region’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
China asserted that it had previously notified regional powers, including France, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, about the missile launch, a claim supported by Eric Spitz, the French High Commissioner in French Polynesia. This marked the first missile launch by China into the Pacific in over forty years. Stanton Senior Fellow Ankit Panda noted that China regularly conducts long-range missile tests.
In the aftermath of the launch, several countries, including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Fiji, and Palau, voiced their concerns about potential repercussions for stability in the Pacific. The President of French Polynesia, Moetai Brotherson, expressed his worries, particularly about not receiving prior notification regarding the test. He indicated his intention to seek clarification from both the French High Commissioner and President Emmanuel Macron while also expressing concerns to the Chinese diplomatic representative.
Shortly after these developments, Brotherson attended a celebration hosted by the Chinese Consul General, Lixiao Tian, marking the People’s Republic of China’s 75th anniversary. During this event, both Brotherson and Spitz spoke, with Spitz emphasizing that the missile carried an “inert load” and that Chinese officials had properly notified their French counterparts in advance of the launch.
Lixiao reassured attendees that the launch was part of an annual training program and posed no threat, adding that China remains committed to fostering cooperation and friendships with French Polynesia, including future collaborations in tourism and agriculture.
Brotherson acknowledged the unease surrounding the situation, likening French Polynesia’s position amid the U.S. and Chinese rivalry to “a grain of rice in the ocean.” He reiterated his regret about the missile launch and the underlying tensions it highlighted in the Pacific region.
Senator Teva Rohfritsch, however, remains skeptical about the situation. He communicated his concerns to top French authorities, demanding a stronger response from Paris regarding the missile launch. Rohfritsch asserted that the local population was significantly disturbed by the events, urging the French government to ensure military and diplomatic resources are in place to maintain peace in the area.
In August, the outgoing Commander of the French Armed Forces in French Polynesia, Commodore Geoffroy d’Andigné, noted the rising tensions in the Pacific and the need for preparedness. He highlighted the increase in foreign naval activity, particularly Chinese vessels approaching the region’s EEZ. Following d’Andigné’s departure, Commodore Guillaume Pinget took over the command, continuing the mission of safeguarding the territorial integrity of French Polynesia.