By Pita Ligaiula Fiji’s President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, delivered a stinging rebuke to China’s recent ballistic missile test in the Pacific, calling for an end to provocative actions that threaten peace and security. Speaking at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 26 September in New York, President Katonivere condemned the test, which took place just a day prior. “There was a unilateral test firing of a ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean.
“We urge respect for our region and call for cessation of such actions,” Katonivere declared, invoking the “Ocean of Peace” principles endorsed by Pacific leaders to uphold international law and peaceful coexistence. “Our statements reinforce the Pacific’s peaceful example, and we urge others to refrain from actions that undermine peace and security in the Blue Pacific,” he stressed. The President’s address was a mix of firm geopolitical criticism and a call for urgent global action on climate change.
Representing one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, President Katonivere’s speech was a stark reminder of the challenges Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face in a rapidly warming world. “Climate change. Sea-level rise.
Pandemics. Poverty. Unsustainable development.
Conflicts. Inequalities. The challenges are daunting,” Katonivere told world leaders.
He highlighted the theme of the session, “Unity in diversity, for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and .
