Pacific churches have voiced serious concerns regarding the recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, highlighting the potential implications for peace in the region. The attacks, carried out using bomber aircraft and submarines traveling through Pacific routes, have been characterized by Reverend James Bhagwan, General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches, as an act of “geopolitical theatre.” He argued that these actions were executed without prior consultation or consent from regional entities, thereby infringing on the principles of sovereignty and transparency that the Pacific nations hold dear.
Bhagwan expressed that this pattern of external militarization undermines the foundational peace architecture established in the Pacific, including the significant Treaty of Rarotonga, which aims to maintain a nuclear-free zone in the region. He emphasized that the Pacific cannot be a pawn in global warfare and criticized the use of the Pacific’s airspace and territory for military purposes that could threaten the region’s ecological and spiritual integrity.
Drawing parallels with sentiments expressed at a recent Pacific Islands Political Studies Association conference, particularly those by Transform Aqorau, concerns were raised about an increase in security agreements that could escalate tensions instead of alleviating them. The discussions at the conference stressed the need for recognizing the sovereignty and interests of Pacific nations amid intensifying geopolitical rivalries, particularly between the U.S. and China.
Recent remarks by Fiji’s President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere regarding the necessity for international cooperation and respect for the Pacific region resonate with the church leaders’ calls for peace. He highlighted the importance of trust and the need for robust diplomacy in addressing regional challenges.
Despite these heightened tensions, there remains a thread of hope as Pacific leaders advocate for a united front to prioritize peacebuilding and developmental goals. Their efforts could bring about collaborative initiatives that not only affirm the sovereignty of the nations but also work towards a future where the Pacific is an Ocean of Peace, free from external conflicts and military aggression.
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