The Home Affairs Minister, Pio Tikoduadua, has proposed the creation of an Oceanic Alliance for the Security of Island States (OASIS) to tackle the escalating security challenges confronting Pacific Island nations.
During his address at the Maritime Security Conference in Suva, Tikoduadua emphasized the significance of maritime security for the economic stability, food security, and sovereignty of the region. He noted that the well-being of Pacific communities is closely linked to the safety and security of their maritime environments, as many livelihoods depend on the ocean.
Tikoduadua pointed out the mounting pressures on the Pacific’s expansive ocean areas, which have gained increased attention due to geopolitical rivalries and strategic competition among larger nations. He remarked, “Strategic power competition, not only for marine resources but also for leadership in the Blue Pacific, Asia-Pacific, or Indo-Pacific—depending on perspective—has drawn the attention of powerful nations to our vast ocean.”
To confront these threats, he has suggested the establishment of OASIS as a formal platform for Pacific Island States to collaborate on various security challenges, including organized crime, climate change, and illegal fishing practices.
“OASIS would ensure that our voices are not overwhelmed by the geopolitical competition surrounding us,” Tikoduadua stated. He stressed the importance of collective efforts, highlighting that Pacific Island States frequently face global marginalization.
The Minister called for unity among regional nations, maintaining that securing their shared future is only possible through collaboration. “In a world where Pacific Island States are often overshadowed, we must stand together,” he said.
The two-day maritime security workshop, which will conclude tomorrow, is designed to foster cooperation among different agencies and discuss strategies to safeguard the region’s maritime areas for future generations. Tikoduadua expressed his hope that the discussions would yield actionable steps beyond the conference, contributing to the long-term security and prosperity of the Pacific.