At a summit in Tonga, Pacific Island leaders have agreed to a regional policing initiative proposed by Australia. This initiative, known as the Pacific Policing Initiative, aims to create a network of up to four regional training centers and establish a multinational crisis reaction force. The force, reportedly comprised of around 200 officers, would be deployed to regional hotspots and disaster zones as needed.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the agreement, stating, “This demonstrates how Pacific leaders are working together to shape the future that we want to see.” The initiative is seen as a direct response to China’s growing security influence in the region, which has been steadily increasing in recent years.
However, the policing plan has sparked concern from some Pacific Island nations, particularly those with close ties to China. Representatives from Vanuatu and Solomon Islands have expressed worry that the initiative constitutes a “geo-strategic denial security doctrine” designed to limit China’s security presence in the region.
Australia has traditionally been the dominant security partner in the Pacific, leading peacekeeping missions and providing training in various countries. However, China has been making significant inroads by providing training to under-resourced Pacific police forces and offering fleets of Chinese-made vehicles. China currently maintains a small but visible police presence in Solomon Islands, deploying officers to train locals in shooting and riot tactics.
The establishment of the Pacific Policing Initiative could significantly impede China’s efforts to forge policing and security agreements with Pacific states. Papua New Guinea’s Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko has indicated his country’s willingness to “work together with Australia” on the proposal. However, top Solomon Islands diplomatic official Colin Beck has stated that Honiara will conduct internal discussions before finalizing their participation. “We have a national process that we have to dive into it,” said Beck, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “We are basically reviewing our national security strategy and everything, so it will be part of the conversation.”
The agreement reached at the summit represents a significant development in the geopolitical landscape of the Pacific region, highlighting the growing competition between Australia and China for influence in the region. The implementation of the Pacific Policing Initiative and its impact on the relationship between Pacific Island nations, Australia, and China will be closely watched in the coming months.
