Will's Word: Why a missile test in the Pacific matters

We talk an awful lot about geopolitics on Pacific Mornings.

I know sometimes when we talk about it people probably think, okay what does this have to do with my everyday life?

This week is a clear example of why.

China launched a nuclear-capable ballistic missile into the South Pacific, just hours after Australia and Fiji announced a new defence agreement.

Now it's important to point out that China says this was a planned test, it gave advance notice, and it was not an act of aggression.

And it's also important to acknowledge that the United States conducts missile tests too. Major powers have always tested their military might.

The bigger issue is actually the timing, and the overall picture.

It's no secret the Pacific is becoming a place where major powers are vying for influence. China is increasing its presence in the region, Australia is expanding its partnerships, and The United States wants in on the region too.

Listen to William Terite's interview with International Law Expert Al Gillespie below.

For Pacific nations, this creates an awkward and difficult balancing act.

Because Pacific leaders have been clear for decades that they don't want their region's future to be determined by bigger powers. They want the ability to make their own decisions, on their own terms.

That's the challenge they face, making sure that as competition increases, Pacific voices remain at the centre of conversations about security and sovereignty.

This week's developments prove that challenge just got a whole lot harder.