Pio Tikoduadua, the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, has urged Pacific Island nations to form a formal alliance to address increasing maritime security issues. During the Maritime Security Conference at the Grand Pacific Hotel, he proposed the establishment of the “Oceanic Alliance for the Security of Island States” (OASIS) to combat threats such as illegal fishing, transnational crime, and the impacts of climate change.
Mr. Tikoduadua highlighted the deep connection Pacific inhabitants have with the ocean, emphasizing that maritime security is vital for food, economic stability, and overall well-being. He called for urgent action to safeguard the region’s maritime territory.
He also noted the strategic significance of the Blue Pacific amid growing geopolitical competition between China and the United States and their allies, which has drawn increased attention to Fiji and its neighboring countries.
The Minister asserted that the Pacific must take charge of its resources and secure its future. His call for action was supported by British High Commissioner, Brian Jones, who pointed out that maritime security extends beyond surface issues to include seabed concerns, undersea cables, and satellite systems integral to modern shipping.
Munkhtuya Altangerel, the UNDP Resident Representative for the Pacific Office, emphasized the importance of empowering local maritime communities as a frontline defense against potential threats across the vast Pacific Ocean. She remarked that well-empowered communities could deter adversaries through their presence and vigilance.
The two-day conference brought together representatives from government agencies, King’s College London, and various stakeholders. Its goal is to foster collaboration among government entities and explore means to sustain and protect Fiji’s maritime resources for current and future generations.