The PPI was officially endorsed by Pacific leaders during the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum, highlighting a collaborative approach to regional security.

Albanese emphasized the importance of the PPI, stating it would significantly enhance security in the region.

Pacific leaders view the PPI as a demonstration of unity and shared responsibility, marking a strategic victory for Australia amid China's growing influence.

Australia has expressed ongoing concerns about China's security agreements with Pacific nations, particularly a 2022 deal with the Solomon Islands.

In a subsequent press conference, Albanese clarified that the Pacific policing initiative is primarily Pacific-led, indicating that the US would not be contributing funding.

Vanuatu's Prime Minister Charlot Salwai emphasized that the plan should primarily serve the region's interests rather than the geostrategic objectives of larger nations.

During the recent Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was filmed joking with US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell about sharing costs for the newly announced $400 million Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI).

Albanese humorously suggested that the US could 'go halvies' on the initiative's expenses, which elicited laughter from Campbell.

Key components of the initiative include the establishment of multi-country police units, four training centers across the Pacific, and a coordination hub based in Brisbane.

The competition for influence in the Pacific region between the US and China continues, despite neither being a member of the Pacific Islands Forum.

The lighthearted exchange between Albanese and Campbell was captured on video by New Zealand journalist Lydia Lewis and shared on social media.

After the video surfaced, Albanese dismissed concerns about the implications of the conversation, describing it as a jovial and private exchange.