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 threats. During the Maritime Security Conference hosted at the Grand Pacific Hotel, he introduced the concept of the “Oceanic Alliance for the Security of Island States” (OASIS), which aims to safeguard the region from issues such as illegal fishing, transnational crime, and climate change impacts.
Mr. Tikoduadua emphasized the deep-rooted connection Pacific inhabitants have with the ocean, indicating that their food, economic stability, and overall well-being depend on maritime security. He called for urgent measures to guarantee the protection of their maritime territories.
Highlighting the strategic significance of the Blue Pacific, he noted that growing geopolitical tensions between China and the United States, along with their allies, have drawn increased attention to Fiji and its neighboring countries. He urged the Pacific nations to take control of their resources and actively work towards ensuring their future security.
The British High Commissioner, Brian Jones, supported Mr. Tikoduadua’s sentiments, pointing out the increasingly complex nature of maritime security, which extends beyond just surface-level issues to include seabed activities, underwater cables, and satellites involved in global shipping.
Additionally, the UNDP Resident Representative for the Pacific Office, Munkhtuya Altangerel, stressed the importance of empowering local maritime communities as the first line of defense against threats. She suggested that if communities are empowered, prosperous, and capable, potential adversaries may think twice before taking action.
The two-day Maritime Security Conference, which included attendees from various government agencies, King’s College London, and other stakeholders, aims to foster collaboration and seek ways to sustain and protect Fiji’s maritime areas for the benefit of current and future generations.