Pacific Islands Forum Bolsters Regional Security with New Policing Initiative

The Pacific Islands Forum has endorsed a plan to increase police numbers among its members, reducing reliance on external forces in crises. The initiative, backed by Australia and supported by China-aligned Solomon Islands, aims to strengthen regional security and address major incidents collaboratively.

The Pacific Islands Forum has approved a plan to augment police numbers among member nations, decreasing the dependency on external forces during crises. The initiative, funded by Australia, received backing from Solomon Islands, a China security ally, on the concluding day of the forum's annual leadership meeting.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, the forum's chairman, emphasized the region's collaborative spirit, contrasting it with competitive external influences. Analysts interpret this regional policing unit as a strategic move by Australia to counteract China's growing police footprint amidst the Beijing-Washington rivalry.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele supported the initiative, stressing the importance of national consultations for ownership and drive. Tonga's Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni highlighted the reinforcement of existing regional security structures, while U.S. and Taiwan's involvement underscored the geopolitical complexities impacting the forum's agenda.

(With inputs from agencies.)