The Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, has advocated for a formal alliance among Pacific Island nations to address escalating maritime security issues. During the Maritime Security Conference held at the Grand Pacific Hotel, he introduced the idea of the “Oceanic Alliance for the Security of Island States” (OASIS), which aims to safeguard the region against threats like illegal fishing, transnational crime, and climate change impacts.
Mr. Tikoduadua stressed the deep connection Pacific inhabitants have with the ocean, linking it to their food, economic security, and overall well-being. He urged for proactive measures to protect the maritime domain, highlighting the strategic significance of the Blue Pacific amidst increasing geopolitical tensions involving China, the United States, and their allies.
He emphasized that the Pacific needs to take control of its resources to secure its future. British High Commissioner Brian Jones echoed this sentiment, noting that maritime security encompasses more than just surface waters, extending to seabeds, data cables, and satellites that facilitate modern shipping.
Additionally, Munkhtuya Altangerel, the UNDP Resident Representative for the Pacific Office, underscored the importance of empowering local maritime communities as the first line of defense against such threats. She remarked that if maritime communities are strong and resilient, potential adversaries might reconsider their actions.
The two-day Maritime Security Conference, which included representatives from government agencies, King’s College London, and various stakeholders, aimed to foster collaboration among agencies and explore ways to sustain and protect Fiji’s maritime resources for future generations.