The Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, has advocated for the establishment of a formal alliance among Pacific Island nations to address increasing maritime security concerns. During the Maritime Security Conference at the Grand Pacific Hotel, the Minister proposed the formation 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 the impact of climate change.
Mr. Tikoduadua highlighted the deep connection Pacific inhabitants have with the ocean, noting that their food, economic stability, and overall well-being are closely tied to maritime security. He emphasized the necessity of taking firm action to protect their maritime domain.
He reflected on the strategic significance of the Blue Pacific amid rising geopolitical competition, particularly between China and the United States and their allies, which has put Fiji and neighboring nations in a more prominent position. Mr. Tikoduadua urged the Pacific to take control of its resources and implement effective measures for future security.
British High Commissioner Brian Jones supported the Minister’s views, pointing out that maritime security encompasses not only the sea’s surface but also the seabed, the data cables that carry immense amounts of information, and the satellites that assist modern shipping.
Munkhtuya Altangerel, the UNDP Resident Representative for the Pacific Office, also emphasized the importance of empowering local maritime communities, positioning them as the “first line of defense” against threats in the vast Pacific Ocean. She suggested that a well-empowered and dignified maritime community would deter potential adversaries.
The two-day Maritime Security Conference included participants from government agencies, King’s College London, and other stakeholders, aiming to foster collaboration and explore strategies to sustain and protect Fiji’s maritime areas for current and future generations.