Fiji Unveils National Security Strategy 2025–2029, Emphasizing No Foreign Bases and a Whole-of-Government Approach
Fiji has officially launched its National Security Strategy (NSS) for the years 2025–2029, signaling a coordinated, people-centered reorientation of the country’s security framework. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua unveiled the plan, underscoring Fiji’s commitment to regional stability while staunchly ruling out the establishment of foreign military bases on Fijian soil.
Rabuka addressed ongoing speculation about the possibility of major powers setting up bases in Fiji, reiterating that the government will not entertain such arrangements. He clarified that while foreign bases are off the table, cooperation on infrastructure development and defence partnerships remains on the table. He stressed that developing ports and increasing capacity will not be treated as military installations; those facilities could be used by military forces passing through the Pacific, and Fiji, as a responsible UN and International Maritime Organization member, is obliged to assist navigators in its Exclusive Economic Zone with refueling, water, and resupply.
The NSS reaffirms Fiji’s current defence partnerships with New Zealand, Australia, the United States, and regional allies, with the intent that these collaborations continue under the new framework. Inter-agency coordination is highlighted as a cornerstone of implementation, with officials noting that all government sectors must understand their responsibilities and work in tandem to execute the strategy at the highest levels.
Built on the National Security and Defence Review, the NSS serves as a long-term blueprint to identify national security priorities, guide policy and resource allocation, and strengthen civil–military relations. It promotes a whole-of-government approach that brings together military, law enforcement, and civilian agencies under a unified vision, while encouraging greater transparency, accountability, and community involvement to foster public trust in security institutions.
Observers also point to the NSS’s place within Fiji’s broader strategic ecosystem, aligning with other guiding documents such as the National Development Plan and Foreign Policy White Paper to ensure security, development, and foreign policy are coherently advanced together. The plan also signals ongoing emphasis on governance reforms and civil-military oversight as part of creating a more secure and resilient Fiji.
Summary:
Fiji’s 2025–2029 National Security Strategy articulates a people-centered, multi-agency approach to security, rejects foreign bases, and maintains cooperative defense ties with partners in the region. It emphasizes strong inter-agency coordination, civil society engagement, and the alignment of security with development and international obligations, aiming to bolster resilience and regional stability.
Additional value and context:
– The NSS is widely viewed as a foundational step toward more robust governance of security, with potential improvements in maritime security, cyber defense, and climate resilience.
– The government’s stance on foreign bases may reassure regional partners and citizens concerned about sovereignty, while ongoing partnerships can enhance capabilities and interoperability.
– A successful rollout will depend on clear timelines, performance indicators, and transparent reporting to ensure accountability and public confidence.
If implemented effectively, the NSS could strengthen Fiji’s security architecture, promote stability across the Pacific, and foster a more inclusive, trusted security environment for all Fijians.
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