The Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, has urged Pacific Island nations to form a formal alliance to address escalating maritime security issues. During the Maritime Security Conference at the Grand Pacific Hotel, he proposed establishing the “Oceanic Alliance for the Security of Island States” (OASIS) to safeguard the region against challenges such as illegal fishing, transnational crime, and climate change impacts.
Mr. Tikoduadua emphasized the deep connection Pacific Islanders have with the ocean, noting that their food, economic security, and overall well-being are closely tied to maritime security. He advocated for proactive measures to defend the maritime domain.
He highlighted the strategic significance of the Blue Pacific amidst rising geopolitical tensions between China, the United States, and their allies, which have increasingly put Fiji and neighboring nations in focus. The Minister stressed the need for the Pacific to assert control over its resources to ensure a secure future.
British High Commissioner Brian Jones supported the Minister’s statements, pointing out that maritime security extends beyond the ocean’s surface to include the seabed, data cables, and the satellites that facilitate modern shipping.
Munkhtuya Altangerel, the UNDP Resident Representative for the Pacific Office, also underscored the importance of empowering local maritime communities as the first line of defense against threats. She suggested that strong and dignified local communities can deter potential adversaries by serving as vigilant observers.
The two-day Maritime Security Conference gathered representatives from various government agencies, King’s College London, and other stakeholders to promote collaboration and explore ways to protect Fiji’s maritime areas for current and future generations.