Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell were caught on camera discussing the Pacific Policing Initiative at a recent Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) event in Tonga. The video shows Campbell mentioning a conversation with Australian Ambassador Kevin Rudd, where he indicated that the U.S. had planned a security proposal but decided not to pursue it after Australian input. Albanese responded with a light-hearted suggestion to split the cost of the initiative.
“Well we had a cracker today getting the Pacific Policing Initiative through,” @AlboMP tells @kurtcampbel on sidelines of @piflm53 @RNZPacific @kelvinfiji pic.twitter.com/sP9YNqhlSR
— Lydia Lewis (@LydiaLewisRNZ) August 28, 2024
The Pacific Policing Initiative, backed by Australia with $400 million over five years, aims to set up a multinational rapid-response police unit and four police centres of excellence in Pacific Island countries. The initiative has been seen as a countermeasure to China’s growing influence in the region, following China’s security pact with the Solomon Islands in 2022.
Albanese defended the video, calling it a jovial and friendly conversation, and dismissed concerns that the initiative was intended to exclude China. He emphasized that the plan was developed in response to the needs of the Pacific region rather than as a geopolitical manoeuvre.
The discussion highlights ongoing tensions and competition in the Pacific, as major powers like the U.S., Australia, and China vie for influence.