In a move aimed at countering China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, along with other Pacific leaders, today endorsed the Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI). Marking a significant regional effort to bolster peace and security throughout the region, the PPI has been announced on the sidelines of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting in Tonga. The Initiative is aimed to enhance the capacity of Pacific nations to address law and order challenges, fulfil internal security needs, and provide mutual support in times of crisis.

Australia has promised to commit approximately 400 million dollars over five years to ensure the PPI delivers on the aspirations of Pacific countries. The country’s contribution will include infrastructure costs associated with new policing Centres of Excellence in the region.

Under the new initiative, Brisbane will host the PPI Policing Development and Coordination Hub, and four regional police training Centres of Excellence will be set up around the region, with one such facility already there in Papua New Guinea.

Australian PM stressed that PPI is a Pacific-led, Australia-backed initiative, that will reflect the collective strengths of the region.