Pacific island leaders have endorsed a regional policing plan at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) talks in Tonga, despite initial concerns that the proposal was part of a ploy to exclude China. The Pacific Policing Initiative will establish up to four police training centers in the region, with Australia providing $400 million in funding over five years. The plan aims to provide a rapid response to security challenges and disaster situations, with each Pacific nation having the option to contribute.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that the agreement signifies the unity of the Pacific family and enables the region to take charge of its own security. The deal was met with some skepticism, with concerns raised by leaders, such as Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Charlot Salwai and the Melanesian Spearhead Group, about potential geopolitical motivations behind the initiative. However, the plan ultimately gained support, with Tonga’s Prime Minister supporting the initiative during the PIF meeting.
The proposal was not imposed by Australia but originated from the Pacific region itself. The leaders discussed the plan positively, with potential details to be ironed out among police commissioners in the region. Additionally, Australia and Tuvalu announced a bilateral climate and security agreement in which Australia will provide visas and support in exchange for security cooperation. Despite initial doubts, Tuvalu’s new Prime Minister has expressed confidence in the arrangement following discussions with Australian officials.
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