By Lucy Craymer
WELLINGTON, Sept 21 (Reuters) – New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters warned on Monday of a more troubled and unsettled world, calling for the United States to be engaged in the Pacific as he noted the unwelcome geopolitical manoeuvring in the region.
In his final major foreign policy speech before New Zealand’s November 7 election, Peters said the current environment was not benign, pointing to the testing of missiles without permission or adequate notice, to naval exercises edging ever-further southwards, and the threat to Pacific neighbours and New Zealand from organised transnational crime.
While Peters did not mention China, he previously condemned China’s test firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile into the South Pacific. China’s official Xinhua news agency said at the time that the launch was a “routine arrangement” of China’s annual military training and not directed against any specific country or target.
“The United States is a Pacific power, and we need an engaged America in the Pacific in support of regional prosperity and security,” Peters said.
Peters, serving his third stint as foreign minister, said Washington had an important role in helping Pacific nations build the capacity to disrupt drug trafficking, which he called an “evil scourge” washing across the region’s shores.
His comments underline the centre-right government’s increasingly direct language on geopolitical competition in the Pacific, where China has expanded its diplomatic, economic and security presence in recent years.
New Zealand has sought to reinforce its role in the Pacific through aid, defence cooperation and diplomatic engagement, while urging larger partners including the US to listen more closely to the priorities of island governments.
Peters said the United States had responded to concerns raised by Wellington and other regional partners during the government’s term, pointing to announcements made by Washington in Palau which included $150 million in support for Pacific Islands.
“We have talked a lot with them this term about the challenges facing the Pacific and the United States’ announcements in Palau were welcome recognition that they have listened and are responding,” he said.
More broadly, Peters said New Zealanders were living in a deeply troubled world, and one whose global economy has been roiled by disruption, uncertainty and the unwelcome return of trade protectionism.
The veteran populist politician, 81, is seeking re-election as leader of New Zealand First, a junior partner in the governing coalition. While unlikely to seek the premiership himself, Peters has played a decisive role in forming governments on several occasions since New Zealand adopted proportional representation in the 1990s.
(Reporting by Lucy Craymer; editing by Lincoln Feast.)
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