Australia is being urged to form a regional intelligence-sharing alliance with New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji in response to increasing threats within the Pacific region. Mihai Sora, director of the Pacific Islands programme at the Lowy Institute, highlights that the current patchwork of agreements has proven inadequate in addressing key issues such as transnational crime, illegal fishing, disaster response, and cybersecurity. The lack of a cohesive strategy is seen as providing opportunities for external actors, notably China, to increase their influence in the Pacific Islands.
Sora suggests that establishing an intelligence-sharing arrangement similar to the Five Eyes partnership, which includes Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, would enhance regional awareness and preparedness against geopolitical coercion. This new framework is poised to help Pacific nations close existing gaps in security and intelligence, ultimately enabling them to better anticipate and respond to potential threats.
Notably, both Fiji and Papua New Guinea are in the process of modernizing their national security systems, positioning them as viable contributors to intelligence efforts. Sora also points to existing security treaties, such as those with PNG, which contain mutual defense clauses, as a foundation for building a stronger collective security network in the region.
Concerns regarding China’s growing influence have been amplified by its recent security pact with the Solomon Islands, which has raised alarms about the potential for a Chinese military presence in the area. According to Sora, the interconnectedness of various threats—from organized crime to cyberattacks—can largely be traced back to China’s actions in the region.
He emphasized the absence of a comprehensive mechanism for timely and collective responses to transnational challenges and geopolitical surprises, warning that without such an arrangement, both the Pacific island governments and Australia risk facing unexpected developments that could jeopardize regional stability.
Sora proposes a phased approach to rolling out this intelligence-sharing initiative, starting with priority areas before moving on to more sensitive domains once trust and operational effectiveness have been established.
The urgency of these discussions is underscored by recent regional developments, including a significant Australian-funded initiative aimed at bolstering policing in Pacific nations to combat issues like drug trafficking and illegal fishing. This initiative seeks to foster a cooperative security framework that empowers Pacific nations to take greater responsibility for their own security while curbing reliance on external powers like China.
The situation reflects a growing recognition among Pacific leaders of the need for enhanced collaboration and strategic partnerships to navigate the complexities of an increasingly multipolar world, filled with both challenges and opportunities for collective action. Through unity and proactive engagement, the Pacific nations aspire to secure their futures while safeguarding their sovereignty against external pressures.
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