Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles recently addressed heightened tensions between the People’s Republic of China and the United States within the Indo-Pacific region during his visit to Chile for the South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPPDM) held from October 22 to 24. As regional defense ministers convened to discuss cooperation on defense and security, Marles acknowledged the increasing geopolitical competition in the Pacific without directly naming China, referencing a recent incident involving the Australian Defence Force and Chinese fighter jets in the South China Sea.
Marles pointed out the necessity for member nations—comprising Australia, Chile, France, Tonga, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji—to uphold democratic values, freedom of speech, and a rules-based order. He stressed that such an order is crucial for smaller nations to navigate away from a world dominated purely by power dynamics. He expressed the collective aspiration of the Pacific ministers to build regional capabilities in accordance with the understanding articulated at the Pacific Islands Forum, emphasizing the aim of ensuring peace across the Pacific.
Chilean Minister of National Defence, Adriana Delpiano, highlighted important discussions at the conference, including Chile’s proposal for a biennial military exercise likely to be held around Easter Island, showcasing the commitment to enhancing security cooperation among Pacific nations. Furthermore, the importance of addressing non-traditional maritime threats, including transnational organized crime and climate change, was underscored, with a collective resolve to improve disaster response capabilities across the region.
The meeting fostered a sense of unity among Pacific nations, who seek to navigate complex challenges collaboratively. These discussions and initiatives reflect a shared commitment to a safe and resilient South Pacific, resonating with previous consultations focused on similar themes, such as enhancing military transparency and fostering cooperation in response to increasing regional security challenges.
Ultimately, the outcomes of the SPPDM indicate a hopeful trajectory for Pacific nations as they prioritize mutual security, resilience, and cooperative strategies to address both traditional and emerging threats, contributing to a stable regional landscape amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.