Pacific Defence Ministers Escalate Militarisation Across the Region
The 10th annual South Pacific Defence Ministers' Meeting (SPDMM) was held in Viña del Mar, Chile, from October 22-24, with a focus on developing "operational collaboration" between Pacific militaries to address "new trends in security challenges," primarily targeting China.
Defence Ministers or their representatives from Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Fiji, and Tonga attended, along with observers from Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Baron Waqa, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), also participated.
The SPDMM declares it is "the premier defence ministerial dialogue in the South Pacific, enhancing cooperation and driving Pacific-led responses to shared regional security challenges."
The meeting took place amid an escalating imperialist war drive across the region, led by the United States, aimed against China.
Author's summary: Pacific Defence Ministers meet to escalate militarisation.