Pacific Leaders Endorse AU$400M Police Training Plan to Counter China

Pacific Island leaders have approved a $271 million Australian-funded initiative to enhance regional police training and establish a mobile policing unit. The plan aims to combat drug trafficking, illegal fishing, and economic crimes, and reduce China's influence in the region.

Pacific Island leaders have given the green light to a $271 million Australian-funded plan to bolster police training and create a mobile regional police unit. This initiative is part of Canberra's efforts to diminish China's presence in the Pacific.

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape announced that his country will host the first of four police training centres under the Pacific Policing Initiative. The program is designed to tackle drug trafficking, illegal fishing, and economic crimes.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that a coordination hub will be based in Brisbane. He said the initiative, agreed upon at the Pacific Islands Forum, will strengthen regional security and self-reliance in policing matters.

(With inputs from agencies.)