Pio Tikoduadua, the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, has proposed the formation of a formal alliance among Pacific Island nations to address rising maritime security challenges. During the Maritime Security Conference at the Grand Pacific Hotel, he introduced the concept of the “Oceanic Alliance for the Security of Island States” (OASIS), aiming to safeguard the region from threats such as illegal fishing, transnational crime, and the impacts of climate change.
Tikoduadua emphasized the deep connection the Pacific inhabitants have with the ocean, noting that their food supply, economic stability, and overall well-being are closely linked to maritime security. He urged for urgent action to protect the maritime domain.
He further highlighted the strategic significance of the Blue Pacific, pointing out that geopolitical competition between China and the United States, along with their allies, has drawn increased attention to Fiji and its neighboring countries. Tikoduadua insisted that the Pacific must take control of its resources and act decisively to ensure its future.
His sentiments were supported by British High Commissioner Brian Jones, who discussed the changing nature of maritime security, stressing that it involves not only the ocean’s surface but also the seabed and the infrastructure that supports global connectivity.
Munkhtuya Altangerel, the UNDP Resident Representative for the Pacific Office, emphasized the importance of empowering local maritime communities as the first line of defense against threats in the vast ocean. She remarked that if these communities are prosperous and dignified, they can deter potential adversaries.
The two-day Maritime Security Conference, which involves representatives from government agencies, King’s College London, and various stakeholders, aims to foster collaboration and explore ways to sustain and protect Fiji’s maritime areas for the benefit of current and future generations.