Security in focus as Pacific leaders gather in Brisbane after peace pact, China missile test

Pacific regional security has dominated talks in Brisbane today as Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hosts the leaders of Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Sāmoa following a week of major strategic developments across the region.

According to a statement from Albanese's office, the prime minister would hold separate meetings with James Marape, Lord Fakafanua and Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt before the leaders attend the State of Origin decider and a Pacific rugby league event.

The meetings come only days after Australia signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance with Fiji and China carried out a long-range missile test over the South Pacific, prompting renewed debate about security across the Blue Pacific.

Kiribati Cabinet Minister Ruth Kwansing said Pacific nations must remain at the centre of decisions about the region's security future.

She warned the Blue Pacific should not become a space for major power competition.

"Major powers are apparently jostling each other in the Pacific as a chessboard for strategic competition," Kwansing told PMN News. "But for us, the Blue Pacific is not a geopolitical theatre; it is our paradise, our livelihood, and our home."

Kiribati Cabinet Minister Ruth Kwansing says Pacific nations must remain at the centre of decisions about regional security, warning the Blue Pacific should not become a space for major power competition. Photo/Supplied

She said Pacific-led security meant island nations must define their own priorities, with climate change and protection of ocean resources remaining among Kiribati's biggest concerns.

Australia has been expanding its security partnerships with Pacific nations in recent years.

Since 2023, it has signed treaties with Tuvalu and Nauru, an alliance with Papua New Guinea and the Nakamal Agreement with Vanuatu. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has also requested a bilateral treaty with Australia.

Since 2023, Australia has signed treaties with Tuvalu and Nauru, an alliance with Papua New Guinea, the Nakamal Agreement with Vanuatu and the Ocean of Peace Alliance with Fiji sealed this week. Photo/Supplied

The Ocean of Peace Alliance with Fiji, sealed on Monday, is Australia's latest security agreement and could eventually be expanded to other Pacific countries.

Dr Henry Ivarature, of the Australian Pacific Security College, told media that Australia had done "exceptionally well" in strengthening its relationships across the Pacific.

"I think Australia has learnt to listen and it has learnt to accept the way Pacific governments work. It has been patient," he said.

Ivarature said the challenge now would be maintaining those relationships over time.

Australian Pacific Security College analyst Henry Ivarature says Australia must continue building trust with Pacific nations as regional security partnerships expand. Photo/Pacific Security College

"You have to keep your house warm," he said. "These kind of agreements have to be maintained. When I travel to little islands like Tuvalu and I see Australian posts there, that is a really positive sign."

He said China's recent missile test had reinforced why regional engagement remained important.

"It's a very, very poor picture of relations," Ivarature said. "The Pacific just wants to keep a region of peace.

"Australia needs the engagement with the Pacific to keep China's influence, while not completely out, at bay."

While defence and regional cooperation are expected to feature prominently in the Brisbane meetings, the gathering will also highlight the close sporting ties between Australia and the Pacific, with the leaders joining fans for tonight's State of Origin decider at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.

The Queensland Maroons vs New South Wales Blues match kicks off at 10.05pm (NZ time).