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, he introduced the idea of the “Oceanic Alliance for the Security of Island States” (OASIS), aiming to safeguard the region against threats like illegal fishing, transnational crime, and climate change impacts.
Mr. Tikoduadua highlighted the deep connection Pacific inhabitants have with the ocean, emphasizing that their food security and overall well-being are closely tied to maritime safety. He called for urgent action to protect the maritime domain.
He also pointed out the strategic significance of the Blue Pacific, mentioning that the ongoing geopolitical rivalry between China and the United States has placed Fiji and its neighboring countries under increased scrutiny. The Minister underlined the necessity for the Pacific to assert control over its resources and take proactive measures to secure its future.
British High Commissioner Brian Jones supported the Minister’s views, stating that maritime security encompasses not only surface concerns but also includes the seabed, data cables, and satellites crucial for modern shipping.
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 expansive Pacific Ocean. She noted that if these communities are empowered and prosperous, potential adversaries may think twice before taking action.
The two-day Maritime Security Conference, featuring representatives from government agencies, King’s College London, and various stakeholders, aims to foster collaboration among government entities and seek ways to sustain and protect Fiji’s maritime areas for current and future generations.