Republic of Fiji Military Forces Deputy Commander and the Commander Fiji Navy CDRE Humphrey Tawake says that states and non-state actors must not use the Pacific as a region for contest or competition.
However, he said as a region for mutual cooperation, collaboration, and partnership for the well-being, security, and prosperity of the Pacific region and its communities.
Speaking at the 19th Western Pacific Naval Symposium in Qingdao China hosted by the People’s Liberation Army- Navy CDRE Tawake said there is a need for better collaboration and partnership in protecting and governing our oceans in particular as large ocean states in the Pacific.
CDRE Tawake said issues like the Pacific regional security priorities, threats, and the need for collective action to mitigate threats such as climate change, IUU, and transnational crime need to be addressed.
The event was opened by the Vice Chair of the Central Military Commission General Zhang Youxia who advocated the theme of ‘Oceans with a Shared Future’ and the responsibilities of Navies in navigating the complex and dynamic strategic global environment and our oceans.
WPNS members include states and territories that are connected by the Pacific Ocean and were represented by Chiefs of Navy from the Pacific and Asian region that included Australia, the US, Russia, Japan, China, Korea, Malaysia, Canada, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Peru, Colombia, NZ, Mexico, PNG, Tonga, and Fiji. Observers at the event include the UK, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
