Fiji’s President, Ratu Viliame Katonivere, emphasized the urgency of cultivating a culture of peace during his speech at the UN General Assembly (UNGA). He highlighted the Blue Pacific’s experience with the devastation of the World Wars, urging the world to uphold peace.
Katonivere specifically addressed China’s recent missile test, which took place on Wednesday, calling for an immediate halt. “We urge respect for our region and call for cessation of such action under principle four of the Ocean of Peace, as endorsed by Pacific leaders in Tonga last month,” he stated.
The test marks China’s first missile launch into the Pacific Ocean in over 40 years. Despite the Chinese defense ministry stating that the test was part of a “routine arrangement” and not targeted at any specific nation, concerns have been raised. New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed worry, calling it a “concerning development” and affirmed New Zealand’s commitment to a peaceful Pacific.
Fiji also launched its first foreign policy white paper this week, identifying the US-China rivalry as the greatest challenge facing the Indo-Pacific region. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka acknowledged the stakes, calling the situation “open to question.”
Source: RNZ
