Winston Peters urges calm, collaborative diplomacy amid rising Pacific trade tensions

Deputy Prime Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters has criticised the “hysterical” and “short-sighted” rhetoric surrounding global trade and security.

Speaking at the East-West Center in Honolulu during the second leg of his Pacific mission, Peters condemned the growing use of military language such as “trade wars” and “fighting” to characterise economic disputes, arguing that such talk risks escalating tensions unnecessarily.

“For a small country like New Zealand, when events are moving fast and changing day-by-day, the best course is almost always to be cautious, to be modest, to be pragmatic, and to be practical,” Peters says.

“To wait for the dust to settle before making choices we may later regret.

Peters’ comments come amid rising anxiety in the Pacific over recent United States policy decisions, including a freeze on USAID in the region.

The Hawaii leg of his three-country Pacific mission includes a delegation of MPs from every party in Parliament except Te Pāti Māori.

Peters earlier visited Tonga and met with Prime Minister Dr 'Aisake Eke in Nuku'alofa. They will remain in Honolulu until Tuesday, NZT.

The New Zealand delegation tours the USS Missouri in Honolulu. Photo/Joseph Safiti

NZ advocates for US engagement

Peters says New Zealand is increasing its defence and development contributions despite “difficult fiscal conditions,”.

But he clarified that the Pacific needs the US to stay actively involved and play a constructive role.

“Our message to both our American friends, and to our Pacific family, is a timeless one.

“As we work through the issues facing us today, let us treat one another with open minds, hear each other out, opt for quiet rather than megaphone diplomacy, and remember our collective purpose of pursuing and protecting a free, democratic, open, prosperous and resilient Pacific.

“Let us proceed carefully, cautiously, and always as friends.”

Watch Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters delivering his speech at the East-West Center.

Peters says he communicated this message directly to US officials during meetings in Washington, D.C., last month, including with the Secretary of State and the National Security Adviser.

Peters calls for “quiet rather than megaphone diplomacy” and a return to the “Pacific Way”, saying, “We should never forget what binds and unites us, bonds stronger and more long-lasting than the controversies and headlines of the moment.”