Pacific security pact gains traction, Solomon Islands PM says

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale is pushing for a unified Pacific security agreement, arguing the region cannot "naively fumble" defense matters. He believes a growing consensus supports his idea for a regional framework to enhance collective security and provide future certainty.

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We cannot continue to naively fumble our way in terms of issues to do with defence security.

Wale first proposed the concept to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and has since discussed it with leaders in Papua New Guinea and Fiji. Speaking at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva, he urged leaders to consider "bold ideas" that strengthen regional security. He suggested a stronger framework could give "enduring expression to the security principles we have agreed together."

The proposed agreement aims to address escalating challenges such as drug smuggling and illegal fishing. However, China may view the initiative with suspicion, as it could formalize a regional defense structure and establish rules that hinder Beijing's security ambitions in the Pacific. Wale expressed a desire for "much greater ambition at the regional level" on security issues, noting that leaders he has spoken with since his Australia visit recognize a "genuine need" for such an architecture.

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I think there is a growing consensus, all the leaders that I have spoken to since [my discussions in] Australia see that there is a genuine need, there are gaps that such an architecture would help to plug.

While acknowledging that sovereignty among Pacific Islands Forum member states is "sacrosanct," Wale hopes for greater accession to collective action, particularly given the current strategic landscape. He has presented a "paper" on the idea, indicating his government has begun developing its specifics. Australia has signaled openness to the concept, with Pacific Minister Pat Conroy stating the country is receptive.

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This includes exploring whether there is value in a stronger regional framework that reflects our shared commitments and gives enduring expression to the security principles we have agreed together.