South Pacific: Niue 21st century Geopolitics, Strategic Diplomacy and Tourism
Hagen Hopkins / Stringer
Niue, the rock of Polynesia, a small island state with a population of 3000 has long been neglected by the international community. The island is in free association with New Zealand following the 1974 referendum for autonomy and self-governance. Recent efforts by the Prime Minister of Niue, Dalton Tagelagi, to promote outward expansion stand in contrast to the inward-focused strategies of developed economies like the United States and Japan, highlighting the unique and growing significance of this small island state
Niue stands at the crossroads of 21st-century geopolitics, strategic diplomacy, and tourism. As the country seeks greater international visibility, it raises questions about its motives for expanding its diplomatic presence beyond New Zealand and how it plans to navigate the complexities of geopolitical competition in the region.
Japan-Niue Summit Meeting
During the 10th multilateral PALM (Pacific Island Leaders Meeting), a brief fifteen-minute meeting between Prime Minister Tagelagi and Prime Minister of Japan, Kishida, signified new opportunities for development and strategic diplomacy. Prime Minister Kishida sought to strengthen the “kizuna” between the two nations, referring to an enduring bond between people. Niue reciprocated this opportunity to strengthen the bond, opening its third international consulate in Tokyo. Previous consulates of Niue have been exclusive to Wellington, New Zealand and Brussels, Belgium.
The geopolitical competition between the United States and China is shaping and redefining development initiatives across the entire Pacific region. Prime Minister Kishida reaffirmed commitment to the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. This expansion of diplomatic presence suggests Niue is following the National Strategic Plan 2016-2026 ensuring the seven development pillars are met by 2026.
Development initiatives in the Pacific
The unique status of Niue as a small but developing nation with a GDP of $31 million (0.1% of total regional GDP) with a population of only 3000 people has ensured the island nation has achieved considerable success in pillars of economic and human development. Notably, the Niuean population have a GDP per capita of $18,300, the highest across the Pacific Islands.
The Niue National Strategic Road Map outlined a decade-long national development project from 2016 until 2026 centred on several development pillars. A central pillar outlined in 2016 was for Niue to develop external relationships with diplomatic partnerships and strategic alliances with the wider regional and international community. The Niue Government has indeed achieved this goal of international visibility and partnerships.
At the forefront of Niue’s development is an aid package by partnered nations totalling $369m. The package seeks to address and bolster sectors such as Government and civil society, education, transport and energy.
Smaller aid packages include the Niue and Tokelau Development Cooperation with Australia playing a significant role in providing aid and governance frameworks. Moreover, under this aid cooperation, Australia would sit as a trustee on the Board of the Nieu International Trust Fund with an estimated $9 million in funds since 2006. This is significant, as Australia is a crucial middle power to the Oceania region as it provides access to developed economies, a strong diplomatic presence on the international stage and the security guarantees of the United States through AUKUS.
Beyond traditional security, the Niue and Tokelau Development Cooperation seeks to address regional water security challenges under the WaSH project. The nexus of human development and critical water infrastructure, sanitation and hygiene is vital for health security and economic security. In the case of Niue facilitating these infrastructure projects would bolster global tourism to the small island. In its totality, these development initiatives will allow for Nieu’s diplomatic expansion as a small island developing nation.
Strategic Hedging and Geopolitical Competition
The importance of small island nations in shaping the geopolitical landscape cannot be overstated. Pacific Island Countries, including Niue, collectively recognize climate change as the most pressing security threat to their stability and prosperity. In contrast, major powers like the United States and China view the Pacific as strategically crucial, given its position at the intersection of continental Asia, North America, and Australia.
Geostrategic thinker Alfred T. Mahan viewed seapower not merely as a military concept but as one deeply intertwined with economic strength and influence.Trade and diplomatic relations with small economies are vital for continued economic prosperity and development in a globalized world. The Pacific Island Countries are positioned to carve out their development paths to the highest bidder. Developments such as the Solomon Islands strengthening bilateral economic and security arrangements with Beijing suggest the region is up for grabs.
Niue continues to gather aid and development relations with traditional partners such as New Zealand and Australia, as well as new partners including Japan and the United States.On September 25, 2023 President Biden formally recognised Niue as an independent and sovereign nation, therefore increasing the country's visibility on the international stage.
The security challenges posed by climate change have significant implications for Niue’s tourism industry, fisheries, and its vision of Niue ke Monuina (a prosperous Niue). The strategic diplomacy pursued by the government and Prime Minister Tagelagi is critical for enhancing international visibility and addressing the shared concerns of other small island developing states. Furthermore, the establishment of consulates in Japan, New Zealand, and Brussels enables Niue to showcase its culture, traditions, and natural beauty to a global audience, raising awareness of the unique treasure that is the rock of Polynesia.
