Solomon Islands PM says 'growing consensus' for regional security pact

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale is pushing for a Pacific-wide regional security agreement, arguing that the region must take greater control of its own security in the face of intensifying strategic competition. Wale expressed concern that Pacific nations remain too complacent about these risks and need to assert their own agency.

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never shy away from considering bold ideas that strengthen our collective security and provide greater certainty for future generations

During a speech to the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretariat in Suva, Fiji, Wale, who chairs the PIF, called on leaders to "never shy away from considering bold ideas that strengthen our collective security." He suggested exploring a stronger regional framework that reflects shared commitments and gives enduring expression to agreed-upon security principles.

Wale has already indicated that the proposed framework aims to address worsening challenges like drug smuggling and illegal fishing. However, the initiative could be viewed with suspicion by China, as it might formalize a defense structure across the region, potentially hindering Beijing's security ambitions in the Pacific.

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

Speaking to ABC News, Wale stated his desire for "much greater ambition at the regional level" on security issues. He noted that leaders in Papua New Guinea and Fiji, whom he met recently, were open to the idea. "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," he said, emphasizing that sovereignty among PIF member states remains "sacrosanct."

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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.