The Pacific Islands Forum has endorsed a plan to boost police numbers among its members.
Rationale
This will eliminate the need to rely on external forces in a crisis.
China security ally Solomon Islands supported the Australian-funded initiative on Friday.
What Cook Islands PM Said?
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, the forum’s chairman said that the 19 nations bloc has the potential to play a strong and active role in regional security.
He said that the Pacific Islands were a region of collaboration and support, rather than a region of competition.
Some analysts see the plan to set up a regional policing unit as a move by Australia to block China’s growing police presence in the region.
Significance Of The Move
This move is significant due to the strategic rivalry between Beijing and Washington.
The Solomons, has police ties with Australia, the forum’s largest member, as well as China, which is not a member.
The Solomons said it had agreed to the Pacific Policing Initiative.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said, “We also endorse the importance of national consultation, so that it is owned and driven by countries.’’
Solomon Islands Appreciate The Initiative
Jeremiah Manele said, “ So we really do appreciate the initiative.’’
Tonga’s Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni said it would reinforce the existing regional security architecture.
The leaders had also agreed to the terms of a fact-finding mission to New Caledonia, riven by months of riots, for talks with relevant parties to resolve the crisis.
The French territory belongs to the forum, where there is support among several Melanesian nations for the independence aspirations of its indigenous Kanak population.
Acceptance Of U.S. territories Guam and American Samoa As Associate Members
The forum has accepted U.S. territories Guam and American Samoa as associate members, a final communique showed.
Sovaleni highlighted the need for more resources for the Pacific to ameliorate climate change, urging donor nations to contribute in helping the Pacific Resilience Facility.
The objective is to reach a higher funding target of $1.5 billion.
The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meet annually to develop collective responses to regional issues.
They also discuss ways to deliver on their vision for a resilient Pacific Region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion and prosperity.
(With Inputs From Reuters)
