Leaders of 18 countries and territories that make up the Pacific Islands Forum have endorsed a policing pact funded by Australia. The move is seen as a check on China’s growing security presence in the region.
The leaders reached the agreement at a summit in Tonga. The more than five-year pact will establish a multinational police force of about 200 officers from Pacific Island nations. It will also set up four training centers across the Pacific and establish a coordination hub in the Australian city of Brisbane.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the agreement. He said, “A first task of any national leader is to look after the security and safety of our residents, and this is what this is about, making sure that by working together, the security of the entire region will be much stronger and will be looked after by ourselves.”
The pact appears meant to curb China’s influence in the region. But some summit participants voiced concern. Vanuatu’s prime minster said the pact should not be used to box out Beijing.
China has been a major provider of infrastructure in the Pacific and has increased its security role in the region. The country recently offered policing support to Tonga and has approached Papua New Guinea to offer assistance with police force training and equipment.