Pacific Policing in the Spotlight: Tonga's Prime Minister Speaks Out

Tonga's Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni delivered a speech highlighting the critical role of police in democracies and the increasing global interest in the Pacific region. His remarks were made at a meeting of Pacific Islands police chiefs, where he discussed evolving policing roles and initiatives funded by Australia.

Tonga's Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni emphasized the vital role of police in ensuring 'freedom from fear' in democracies during his speech to Pacific Islands police chiefs on Tuesday. He noted the growing global attention on the area by major powers.

A U.S. counter-narcotics official is set to visit Tonga for the first U.S.-Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police dialogue held alongside the regional police body's annual meeting. China, expanding its policing role in the Pacific, has sparked concern from Australia, which plans to fund a significant training and mobile police unit initiative.

Sovaleni remarked that the Pacific Ocean has become a crucial arena for global interests, with policing roles rapidly evolving to assure safety, security, and liberty. The Pacific Policing Initiative, funded by Australia, was approved by the Pacific Islands Forum and will be a key discussion point. China previously failed to secure a security agreement with most forum members.

(With inputs from agencies.)