Pacific Islands Forum Enhances Regional Security With New Policing Initiative

The Pacific Islands Forum has endorsed a plan to increase police numbers among its members to reduce dependency on external forces during crises. The initiative, supported by Solomon Islands and funded by Australia, aims to strengthen regional security and cooperation amid growing strategic rivalry between China and the US.

The Pacific Islands Forum has endorsed an ambitious plan to boost police numbers among its member nations, reducing the need to rely on external forces in times of crisis. Supported by China security ally Solomon Islands, the initiative is funded by Australia and was discussed on the final day of the annual leaders' meeting.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, the forum's chairman, emphasized the potential for the 18-nation bloc to play a strong, active role in regional security. He described the Pacific Islands as a region focused on collaboration and support, contrary to being a ground for competition and advantage-seeking by external powers.

The Solomon Islands, maintaining police ties with both Australia and non-member China, backed the Pacific Policing Initiative. Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele stressed the importance of national consultation in its development to ensure it is driven by the countries themselves. This move is seen by some analysts as an effort by Australia to counter China's growing influence in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)