Civil society organizations across the Pacific are expressing robust opposition to any indications that the United States might resume nuclear weapons testing. Reports suggest that the Trump administration is contemplating conducting nuclear tests for the first time since 1992, a move that would violate the internationally recognized moratorium on nuclear testing and could potentially ignite a new arms race.
The Pacific coalition has underscored that the resumption of nuclear testing, coupled with ongoing threats from nuclear-armed countries, poses serious risks to global peace and security, as well as the well-being of communities throughout the region. Nations such as Fiji, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, and Maohi Nui (French Polynesia) are still suffering from the devastating effects of past nuclear tests.
In a collective statement, the organizations expressed that for the Pacific region, the prospect of renewed nuclear tests is not merely a geopolitical concern but an immediate existential threat that harks back to the tragic legacy of the Cold War. The group pointed out that the U.S., U.K., and France have historically used the Pacific as a testing ground for over 315 nuclear weapons, leaving behind a burden of suffering that has largely gone unaddressed, impacting the health and environments of Pacific communities for generations.
The coalition is urging the United States to reaffirm its commitment to a peaceful Pacific by joining island nations in ratifying the Treaty of Prohibition for Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). Their message emphasizes the need for “political diplomacy, not nuclearization.”
Moreover, Pacific civil society groups are vocally condemning Japan for its ongoing release of treated nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi power plant into the Pacific Ocean, a practice that has raised significant environmental and health concerns since it commenced in August 2023.
Despite facing these profound challenges, there exists a united and resilient spirit among Pacific nations, who continue to strive for justice and accountability regarding the harmful consequences of nuclear testing. As discussions around nuclear disarmament and environmental protection progress, there is hope for a collaborative future that prioritizes the health, security, and rights of both current and future generations in the Pacific. This evolving dialogue not only aims to mend historical grievances but also reflects a strong commitment to a future devoid of nuclear threats, highlighting the Pacific’s aspirations for peace and solidarity.