As tensions brew, New Zealand FM pushes for increased US role in Pacific

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters warned on Monday of a more troubled and unsettled world, calling for the United States to be engaged in the Pacific as he noted the unwelcome geopolitical manoeuvring in the region.

In his final major foreign policy speech before New Zealand's November 7 election, Peters said the current environment was not benign, pointing to the testing of missiles without permission or adequate notice, to naval exercises edging ever-further southwards, and the threat to Pacific neighbours and New Zealand from organised transnational crime.

While Peters did not mention China, he previously condemned China's test firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile into the South Pacific. China's official Xinhua news agency said at the time that the launch was a "routine arrangement" of China's annual military training and not directed against any specific country or target.

"The United States is a Pacific power, and we need an engaged America in the Pacific in support of regional prosperity and security," Peters said.