While some Pacific leaders hope the new deal will address their security gaps, Australia seeks to limit China's opportunities for establishing a regional security agreement.

Albanese emphasized that this agreement reflects the collaboration of Pacific leaders in shaping their future amid escalating geopolitical tensions between China and the United States.

Historically, Australia and New Zealand have been the primary security partners in the Pacific, leading various peacekeeping missions and training efforts.

Papua New Guinea's Foreign Minister expressed strong support for the initiative, indicating a desire to collaborate with Australia on the PPI.

Although the forum members have endorsed the deal in principle, individual participation will depend on the decisions of each national leader.

In the Solomon Islands, discussions at the national level will take place before any agreements are finalized, as participation in the partnership is not mandatory for Forum members.

Concerns regarding China's increasing influence in the Pacific have been heightened by its recent policing pact with the Solomon Islands and its visible police presence in Kiribati.

The endorsement of the PPI is viewed as a significant setback for China's strategic interests in the region, especially following its failed attempt to secure a region-wide security pact in 2022.

Australia has announced the Pacific Police Initiative (PPI), a regional policing plan endorsed by Pacific Island leaders during a summit in Tonga, aimed at curbing China's growing influence in the area.

This initiative represents a substantial $400 million commitment from Australia to enhance policing capabilities across the Pacific over the next five years.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that the PPI will include the establishment of up to four police training centers and a multinational crisis response force comprising 200 officers.

The PPI aims to strengthen the capacity for law enforcement and internal security among Pacific nations, facilitating mutual support in times of need.