PM calls on global superpowers to halt missile tests after Chinese launch
Prime Minister James Marape has called on all global military powers to respect the Pacific as an 'Ocean of Peace' following China’s test launch of a strategic ballistic missile into international waters in the South Pacific.
The missile, deployed from a nuclear-powered submarine, prompted a firm response from the Prime Minister, who said that the region must never again become a theatre for military competition, weapons testing, or activities that threaten regional stability and the environment.
Marape said that Papua New Guinea respects the sovereignty of all nations and recognises their right to operate in accordance with international law, but, he countered that the Pacific should be dedicated to sustaining life rather than preparing for conflict.
"Our Pacific is an Ocean of Peace," Marape said, stating that this aligns with the consistent aspiration of Pacific Islands Forum leaders and their shared 'Blue Pacific Continent' vision.
Marape, who has served continuously as Prime Minister since 2019, said Pacific nations continue to carry the heavy legacy of historical conflicts that were never of their own making.
"Our region has lived through war, nuclear testing and military activities imposed upon us by larger powers. We do not want history repeated," he said.
He called for regional waters to remain entirely free from the testing of harmful weapons and military arsenals, whether launched from the air, sea, or land.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the critical ecological role of the Pacific Ocean as a major global carbon sink and home to extraordinary marine biodiversity that sustains fisheries feeding millions of people worldwide.
The public appeal comes as Port Moresby navigates a delicate diplomatic balancing act. This year marks 50 years of formal diplomatic relations between Papua New Guinea and the People’s Republic of China since ties were first established in 1976.
Marape reaffirmed PNG’s longstanding commitment to the One China Policy, describing the relationship as genuine and founded on mutual respect. However, he drew a clear line regarding military escalation in regional waters.
"It is in that same spirit of friendship that I respectfully appeal to our Chinese friends that this be the last such missile test conducted in Pacific waters," Marape said.
The Prime Minister emphasized that his message is not directed solely at Beijing, stating that the appeal applies equally to every nation possessing advanced military capability.
"It applies equally to the United States, France, Japan, the United Kingdom and every nation with military capability," Marape said. "If you respect the Pacific and its people, then please respect our ocean. We ask all major powers to refrain from using Pacific waters for missile testing, military weapons trials or any activity that contributes to conflict or militarisation."
Marape confirmed that the Government will convey its concerns directly to the Chinese leadership through established diplomatic channels, while continuing to advocate the "Ocean of Peace" position to all of PNG's international partners.