Winston Peters blasts China missile test and ‘disgrace’ of India FTA confusion
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has condemned China's recent nuclear-capable missile test in the Pacific as unhelpful and unacceptable. The government is also reviewing its potential involvement in the Ocean of Peace alliance.
Why it matters
The incident highlights rising geopolitical tensions in the Pacific and New Zealand's shifting stance on regional security alliances.
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has expressed concern about China's action. Photo / Mark Mitchell / Getty
Foreign Minister Winston Peters is concerned the Chinese Government now thinks it is normal to test nuclear capable missiles in the Pacific.
Peters spoke to the Herald after returning from a weeklong trip to Singapore and Japan, which caused him to be out of the country during the test. Peters said the New Zealand Government has made clear its view that such tests are not normal.
Peters said China’s normalisation of the missile tests was a notable change from its last significant Pacific missile test in September 2024.
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