ISLAMABAD, (TDI): On Thursday, China’s Minister of Public Security, Wang Xiaohong, has called for a new era of law enforcement cooperation with Pacific Island nations, emphasizing Beijing’s aim to strengthen security ties in the region.
Speaking at a forum in Fuzhou, Wang advocated for a “more professional” law enforcement team to achieve long-lasting security and build a “closer community with a shared future” between China and Pacific Island countries.
Wang’s comments come as Australia has recently made headlines by securing endorsement from Pacific island leaders for its A$400 million (US$266.3 million) Pacific Policing Initiative.
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Announced at a summit in Tonga last month, the initiative includes setting up four training centres across the Pacific and a multi-country policing force of about 200 officers to be deployed during major events or crises.
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In contrast, Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, has voiced opposition to Chinese involvement in Pacific policing, suggesting that Australia should train more local security forces instead.
This exchange underscores the ongoing competition between China and Australia for influence in the Pacific region.
In recent years, Beijing has been working to increase its influence in global security governance, aiming to create a security architecture that challenges the Western-led system.
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Earlier this week, at a security forum in Jiangsu province, China’s Minister of Public Security, Wang Xiaohong, revealed plans to train 3,000 foreign law enforcement officials over the next year.
This initiative is intended to address global security issues and enhance the protection of Chinese interests internationally, reflecting China’s broader strategy to assert its role in global security matters.
