Aerial view of Garapan, Saipan seen from Mt Tapochao, Saipan's highest peak. Photo: 123RF
The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) leaders are worried about China's recent missile test after a dummy warhead landed in the Pacific Ocean last week.
The launch was part of routine training by the People's Liberation Army's Rocket Force, which is in charge of conventional and nuclear missile operations, and was not aimed at any country or target, the People's Republic of China's Defence Ministry said in a statement.
CNMI Senate floor leader Rep Edwin Propst said China's missile test shows how vulnerable the CNMI is against external threats.
"It's a harsh reminder and a warning sign as to how vulnerable we are in the Marianas when it comes to potential nuclear strikes.
"While Guam is going to benefit from a missile defence system, we must ensure the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is also protected as well," he said.
He said Tinian had a divert airfield and was most certainly on China's radar.
"While we all pray for peace, we must also do all we can to safeguard our Marianas, just as we would our nation."
'Longstanding debacle'
A senior policy staff under two gubernatorial administrations, John Oliver Gonzales, said the missile test is posturing from Beijing's leaders and hopes the US can protect its citizens in the Marianas.
"The latest round of China's ICBM test over the Pacific, including our vulnerable Marianas archipelago, is a continuing saga of provocation with the US and its allies in the on-again, off-again geopolitical tensions in the greater Indo-Pacific region," he said.
"I am uneasy about this longstanding debacle unfolding in our region, as I am unconvinced that our people are being held the utmost priority to be protected and cared for if and when a missile in fact hits our innocent populated island communities.
"Where will our people run to and hide with assurance of their health, welfare, and safety? Will we have enough time to evacuate and avoid being trapped and killed by their wars? Who benefits from their wars?"
James Rayphand, who like Propst and Gonzales is running for CNMI delegate to US Congress, said China's continued sabre-rattling in the region only fortifies his argument of more US military presence in the region.
"From the perspective of someone running for our delegate seat in US Congress, this is precisely the type of event that makes me feel so strongly about wanting US military presence in the CNMI and why I want a seat at the table with the military and others with privileged information on such matters.
"At the very least, I'd expect to be informed with assurances from our military that it is cognizant of any actual threats and that it stands at the ready to defend us with the full might of our military in the event China's actions escalate beyond simply testing."
Tinian North Field, Northern Marianas, the largest US air base during World War II. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
To his understanding, Rayphand said the missile tested in this case were dummy warheads and that China has indicated that it was not directed at any country or target.
"But it certainly sends an ominous message for those of us out here in the Pacific," he said.
As to how the US should respond after China's missile test, Rayphand suggested a blanket approach.
"I'd say we should do what we can to de-escalate any rising or even perceived tensions with China diplomatically, but simultaneously beef up our defenses to include an offensive strategy at the ready if needed," he said.
"Still, given China's openly communicating their testing, it would be premature to assume the worst...at least from where I sit which is without any direct information whatsoever."
Former Commonwealth Ports Authority board chair, Kimberlyn King-Hinds, who fought against the US Department of Defence to stop them from bombing Tinian and Pagan, said China's missile test was deeply concerning, especially for the CNMI, which is at the frontline of these tensions.
"Our geographic location, which lies in the heart of the US Indo-Pacific Command, plays a critical role in national security, and any military actions in our region have direct implications for our safety and the broader stability of the Pacific," King-Hinds said.
"Given that reality, we must ensure that our islands are adequately defended, with increased investments in missile defence systems."
However, she said military readiness alone is not enough.
"The US must strengthen its regional alliances and engage in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. It is in the best interest of all parties to maintain peace and stability in the Pacific, ensuring that the CNMI and the broader region remain secure."
King-Hinds is also a candidate for delegate.
US District Court of the Northern Marianas Islands Photo: RNZ Pacific / Mark Rabago
Proactive approach
Local activist Liana Hofschneider, who is also running for delegate, said the CNMI should adopt a proactive approach when it comes to regional security concerns especially when it comes to provocations from China.
"During the recent Chamber of Commerce US Congress Delegate Debate, I stressed the importance to pay close attention to the national security issues that's happening in the China Sea, including the incident between the Chinese Navy and the Philippines Navy," she said.
"We must be proactive and pay close attention to our geopolitical and security concerns, especially for our islands as China once boasted that it will only take nine minutes for its missile to reach the Mariana Islands. This deeply concerns me."
Hofschneider said the US must take immediate action to bolster regional preparedness not only for natural disasters, but also national security preparedness.
She suggested increasing the presence of active Army Reserve to support both natural disasters, especially for local and national security issues in the Indo-Pacific region.
"We must also take action on our infrastructure preparedness that supports our Civil Defense, including infrastructures for water, sewer, quality healthcare facility, seaports and airports in Saipan, Tinian, Luta (Rota), including at least two islands in the north."
Hofschneider added that the action by China highlights the critical importance to heighten the attention on the need for the CNMI not to be underrepresented in US congressional budget appropriations to ensure the CNMI's civil defence, homeland security, and Army Reserve; and necessary infrastructure are adequately funded.
"We must agree that the CNMI's history in the last 30 years during times of natural disasters have crippled our ability to return to normalcy without a presidential federal emergency declaration.
"This in itself shows our inability to defend our islands in times of national security threat," she said.
As of 2016, the top source markets for tourists to the Northern Marianas were South Korea, followed by China, then Japan. Photo: RNZI / Mark Rabago
'Business as usual'
Meanwhile, Marianas Visitors Authority executive director Christopher Concepcion does not see China's missile test as affecting the CNMI's tourism industry.
"We aren't that concerned about these recent activities as it relates to the tourism industry in particular," he said.
"We are a safe destination under the protection of the most powerful military in the world.
"It's business as usual for the tourism industry of the Commonwealth."