The Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, has advocated for the establishment of a formal alliance among Pacific Island nations to address increasing maritime security threats.
During the Maritime Security Conference held at the Grand Pacific Hotel, the Minister proposed the formation of the “Oceanic Alliance for the Security of Island States” (OASIS) to safeguard the region against issues such as illegal fishing, transnational crime, and the impacts of climate change.
“Our deep connection to the ocean is vital for our food, economic stability, and overall well-being, making it essential to take strong action for the protection of our maritime territory,” Mr. Tikoduadua stated.
He also highlighted the strategic significance of the Blue Pacific, mentioning that geopolitical rivalries between China and the United States, along with their allies, have intensified attention on Fiji and neighboring nations.
Mr. Tikoduadua emphasized the need for the Pacific to assert sovereignty over its resources and actively work to secure its future.
British High Commissioner, Brian Jones, supported the Minister’s views, emphasizing the evolving landscape of maritime security. He noted that maritime security encompasses not only the ocean’s surface but also the seabed, undersea cables carrying vast amounts of data, and the satellites guiding modern shipping.
Munkhtuya Altangerel, the UNDP Resident Representative for the Pacific Office, underscored the significance of empowering local maritime communities as the “first line of defense” against threats in the expansive Pacific Ocean. She argued that empowered and dignified communities would act as vigilant monitors, potentially deterring adversaries.
The two-day Maritime Security Conference brought together representatives from government agencies, King’s College London, and various stakeholders to foster collaboration and explore ways to sustain and protect Fiji’s maritime territories for current and future generations.