Pacific Islands Endorse AU$400M Australian Policing Initiative

Leaders from several Pacific Islands have endorsed a AU$400 million Australian-funded plan to enhance police training and create a regional policing unit. This initiative aims to curb drug trafficking, illegal fishing, and economic crimes, and reduce reliance on China's security assistance. A coordination hub will be established in Brisbane.

In a significant move to bolster regional security, several Pacific Island nations have endorsed an Australian-funded AU$400 million ($271 million) initiative aimed at improving police training and establishing a mobile regional policing unit.

The leaders of Tonga, Fiji, Palau, and Papua New Guinea announced that the program would assist in tackling drug trafficking, illegal fishing, and economic crimes across a vast expanse of ocean.

As part of the Pacific Policing Initiative, the first of four police training centers will be built in Papua New Guinea, with a coordination hub based in Brisbane, Australia.

(With inputs from agencies.)