The Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, has advocated for the establishment of a formal alliance among Pacific Island nations to address escalating maritime security issues. During the Maritime Security Conference at the Grand Pacific Hotel yesterday, he proposed the creation of the “Oceanic Alliance for the Security of Island States” (OASIS) to safeguard the region against threats such as illegal fishing, transnational crime, and the impacts of climate change.
Tikoduadua emphasized the deep connection Pacific Islanders have with the ocean, stating that their food, economic security, and overall well-being are closely tied to maritime security. He urged for prompt action to protect maritime domains and highlighted the strategic significance of the Blue Pacific, particularly in light of the geopolitical rivalry between China, the United States, and their allies, which has increasingly focused attention on Fiji and neighboring countries.
The Minister asserted the necessity for the Pacific nations to exert control over their resources and proactively secure their future. His sentiments were supported by British High Commissioner Brian Jones, who noted the changing landscape of maritime security, pointing out that it encompasses not only the surface of the sea but also the seabed and essential data-carrying cables, as well as satellites that guide modern shipping.
Munkhtuya Altangerel, the UNDP Resident Representative for the Pacific Office, underscored the importance of empowering local maritime communities to serve as the “first line of defense” against threats in the expansive Pacific Ocean. She argued that if maritime communities are empowered and thriving, they can play a crucial role in deterring adversaries.
The two-day conference, featuring participants from various government agencies, King’s College London, and other stakeholders, aims to foster collaboration among agencies and explore strategies to sustainably manage and protect Fiji’s maritime areas for both current and future generations.