Pio Tikoduadua, the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, has advocated for the establishment of a formal alliance among Pacific Island nations to address increasing maritime security issues. During his speech at the Maritime Security Conference at the Grand Pacific Hotel, he proposed the “Oceanic Alliance for the Security of Island States” (OASIS), aimed at safeguarding the region against threats such as illegal fishing, transnational crime, and climate change impacts.
Mr. Tikoduadua emphasized the deep connection Pacific Islanders have with the ocean, linking it to their food supply, economic stability, and overall well-being. He stressed the urgency of taking proactive measures to protect maritime territories.
He also pointed out the strategic significance of the Blue Pacific in light of rising geopolitical tensions involving China, the United States, and their allies, which have increasingly focused attention on Fiji and its neighbors. The Minister underscored the necessity for the Pacific to assert control over its resources to secure its future.
British High Commissioner Brian Jones echoed these sentiments, noting the complex nature of maritime security that extends beyond surface-level concerns to encompass the seabed, data cables, and satellite systems vital for modern shipping.
Moreover, Munkhtuya Altangerel, the UNDP Resident Representative for the Pacific Office, highlighted the importance of empowering local maritime communities as a line of defense against threats in the vast Pacific region. She argued that strong and dignified maritime communities could serve effectively as informants against potential adversaries.
The two-day Maritime Security Conference, attended by various stakeholders including government agencies and representatives from King’s College London, seeks to enhance cooperation among governments and explore strategies to preserve and protect Fiji’s maritime resources for present and future generations.