Pacific Island Leaders Endorse Regional Policing Plan

Pacific Island nations, led by Australia, endorse the Pacific Policing Initiative to bolster regional security and counter China's influence. The plan includes training centers and a crisis reaction force, with concerns raised over potential implications on relationships with China.

Australia-funded, the initiative aims to establish a multi-country policing force and has received pushback from some Pacific countries fearing exclusion of China. The proposal aligns with Fiji's 'oceans of peace' concept, emphasizing training for natural disasters and security challenges in the region.

The initiative seeks to address China's growing influence in the Pacific Islands by providing a regional security alternative.