The Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, has proposed the establishment of a formal alliance among Pacific Island nations to address increasing maritime security challenges. During the Maritime Security Conference at the Grand Pacific Hotel, the Minister introduced the idea of an “Oceanic Alliance for the Security of Island States” (OASIS) to safeguard the region from threats such as illegal fishing, transnational crime, and climate change impacts.
Tikoduadua highlighted the deep connection Pacific Islanders have with the ocean, emphasizing that their food security, economic stability, and overall well-being are closely tied to maritime security. He underscored the need for decisive action to protect the maritime domain.
He also pointed out the strategic significance of the Blue Pacific, noting that geopolitical tensions between China and the United States, along with their allies, have heightened attention on Fiji and neighboring countries. The Minister stressed the importance of Pacific nations asserting control over their resources and taking meaningful steps to secure their future.
Brian Jones, the British High Commissioner, reinforced the Minister’s sentiments by discussing the evolving nature of maritime security, which extends beyond the surface of the sea to encompass the seabed, data cables, and satellites crucial for modern shipping.
Munkhtuya Altangerel, the UNDP Resident Representative for the Pacific Office, highlighted the importance of empowering local maritime communities as the frontline defense against threats in the expansive Pacific Ocean. She suggested that if these communities are well-equipped and dignified, potential adversaries would reconsider their actions.
The two-day Maritime Security Conference, which includes participants from various government agencies, King’s College London, and other stakeholders, seeks to foster collaboration and explore ways to sustain and protect Fiji’s maritime areas for future generations.