New Zealand’s Defence Minister Judith Collins has expressed significant concern regarding the rising pressures faced by Pacific island nations from influential global powers vying for control over the region’s valuable seabed minerals and fisheries. During a recent visit to Washington, Collins characterized the Pacific as evolving into a “strategic crossroads” encompassing aid, development, influence, resources, and security.
She emphasized the vast wealth inherent within the Pacific while stressing the importance of ensuring that this wealth benefits local populations. Collins stated, “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 highlights the urgent need for small island nations to retain control over their natural resources in the face of growing international interest.
Recent reports show that the South Pacific seabed contains significant deposits of critical minerals such as cobalt, nickel, and copper, vital for emerging technologies like electric vehicles and clean energy systems. However, the regulatory framework surrounding these resources remains vague, which has led to increasing pressure on small island nations to negotiate mining access in exchange for investment and infrastructure. Collins cautioned that these pressures jeopardize the sovereignty of Pacific nations and urged allies such as Australia and the United States to assist in preserving local control over resources.
While Collins did not specify which nations pose the most significant threat, her comments reflect the ongoing competition between China and Western allies in the region. China has been expanding its influence through a series of agreements related to fisheries, infrastructure, and security, prompting New Zealand and Australia to bolster their defense cooperation and aid programs.
This shift in New Zealand’s perspective marks a significant evolution from its previous focus on development alone, now recognizing the strategic and security importance of the region. Analysts note that the issue goes beyond mere economic interests; deep-sea mining carries environmental and governance challenges that could jeopardize small nations.
Amid these developments, certain Pacific nations, such as Fiji and Vanuatu, are calling for a moratorium on deep-sea mining, while others like the Cook Islands are creating frameworks for regulated extraction. Collins hinted at initiatives for New Zealand to enhance maritime surveillance and bolster regional defense collaborations to support these nations.
As global demand for essential minerals rises, the competition for the Pacific’s deep-sea resources is transforming from theoretical discussions into pressing realities. This situation presents a vital opportunity for Pacific nations to navigate their sovereignty, drive economic development, and ensure environmental stewardship effectively, cultivating a cooperative regional approach that may enhance resilience and prosperity across the region.