The Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, has advocated for the formation of a formal alliance among Pacific Island nations to address escalating maritime security threats.
During his address at the Maritime Security Conference held at the Grand Pacific Hotel, he proposed the establishment of the “Oceanic Alliance for the Security of Island States” (OASIS). This initiative aims to safeguard the region from challenges such as illegal fishing, transnational crime, and the impacts of climate change.
Mr. Tikoduadua emphasized the deep connection Pacific inhabitants have with the ocean, stating that their access to food, economic stability, and overall well-being is closely tied to maritime security. He called for immediate action to protect maritime territories and resources.
He pointed out the strategic significance of the Blue Pacific, citing increased geopolitical competition between China and the United States and their allies, which has put Fiji and its neighboring countries under greater scrutiny. Mr. Tikoduadua underlined the necessity for the Pacific region to exert control over its resources and take proactive measures to secure its future.
These sentiments were echoed by British High Commissioner Brian Jones, who remarked on the evolving nature of maritime security. He noted that it extends beyond just the ocean’s surface, encompassing the seabed, data cables worth billions, and the satellites essential for modern shipping.
Munkhtuya Altangerel, the UNDP Resident Representative for the Pacific Office, also highlighted the importance of empowering local maritime communities, which serve as the “first line of defense” against potential threats in the expansive Pacific Ocean. She suggested that well-empowered communities could deter adversaries by serving as vigilant guardians of their waters.
The two-day Maritime Security Conference included participants from government agencies, King’s College London, and other stakeholders, focusing on facilitating collaboration and identifying strategies to protect Fiji’s maritime regions for the benefit of current and future generations.