New Zealand’s Defence Minister Judith Collins has raised concerns about increased pressures facing Pacific island nations from powerful global actors vying for control over the region’s abundant seabed minerals and fisheries. Following a recent visit to Washington, Collins emphasized that the Pacific is evolving into a “strategic crossroads” for aid, development, influence, resources, and security.
Collins highlighted the vast wealth held within the Pacific, stating, “But it’s just not in the hands of the people. I don’t want to see the promises of mineral wealth for those countries being basically raped and pillaged from them.” This underscores the urgency to ensure that small island nations retain control over their resources amid growing international interest.
Recent reports indicate that the South Pacific seabed holds significant deposits of critical minerals such as cobalt, nickel, and copper, all essential for technologies including electric vehicles and clean energy systems. However, the regulatory landscape remains murky, with escalating mining interests pressuring small island nations to negotiate access in exchange for investment and infrastructure. Collins warned that these pressures pose risks to the sovereignty of Pacific nations, urging partners like Australia and the United States to support efforts to maintain control over their resources.
While Collins did not identify specific nations, her remarks resonate in the context of the increasing competition between China and Western allies in the region. China has been extending its influence through various agreements related to fisheries, infrastructure, and security, while New Zealand and Australia have stepped up their defense cooperation and aid programs.
This shift in New Zealand’s perspective marks a departure from prior focus on development alone, now recognizing the region’s importance from a strategic and security standpoint. Analysts highlight that the issue transcends economic considerations, as deep-sea mining can result in environmental and governance challenges potentially endangering small nations.
Some Pacific nations, including Fiji and Vanuatu, are advocating for a moratorium on deep-sea mining, while others like the Cook Islands are developing frameworks for regulated extraction. Collins hinted at New Zealand’s plans to enhance maritime surveillance and regional defense collaborations to support these nations.
Amid growing global demand for essential minerals, the race for the Pacific’s deep-sea resources is transitioning from theoretical policy debates to urgent realities. This situation presents a critical opportunity for Pacific nations to navigate their sovereignty, economic development, and environmental stewardship effectively, fostering a cooperative regional approach that could enhance both resilience and prosperity.