​PNG PM Calls For Pacific To Remain 'Ocean Of Peace' Amid Chinese Missile Test

A call for restraint has come from Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape, urging nations with military might to leave the Pacific Ocean free of weapons testing, following a ballistic missile launch by China into open waters within the South Pacific.

Fired from a nuclear-powered submarine, the missile test drew swift criticism from the PNG head of government, who said the Pacific must not become a battleground for competing militaries or a site for trials that could destabilise the region and damage its natural environment.

Marape acknowledged that PNG recognises the sovereign right of nations to act within the bounds of international law, though he insisted the Pacific exists to support life rather than serve as a rehearsal space for conflict.

"Our Pacific is an Ocean of Peace," he said, tying the phrase to the shared outlook long held by leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum through their Blue Pacific Continent vision.

Having held the office of Prime Minister without interruption since 2019, Marape noted that the burden of past wars, nuclear testing, and foreign military operations still weighs on Pacific nations today.

"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 urged that Pacific waters be kept completely clear of harmful weapons trials and arsenal testing, whether such activity comes from the air, the sea, or land.

Beyond the security concerns, the Prime Minister flagged the ocean's importance as a major absorber of global carbon emissions and as home to marine biodiversity that supports fishing industries feeding populations worldwide.

Marape's public statement arrives as Port Moresby carefully manages its foreign relations, with this year marking half a century of diplomatic ties between PNG and China since they were established in 1976.

He reaffirmed that PNG remains firm in its support for the One China Policy, framing the bilateral relationship as authentic and grounded in mutual respect — though he was firm about drawing a line on military escalation in the region's 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.

He stressed the message was not meant for Beijing exclusively, saying it holds equally for any nation possessing advanced military strength.

"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 said his government would communicate these concerns directly to Chinese leadership via diplomatic channels, continuing to push the "Ocean of Peace" stance with all of PNG's international partners.

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