China's Expanding Security Footprint in the Pacific

China is increasingly shaping the security landscape of the Pacific Islands, presenting both opportunities and challenges, according to a recent report by the Geneva-based Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. This growing presence is part of Beijing’s broader vision for global security and influence.

Benefits and Concerns Regarding Chinese Assistance

Pacific island states are benefiting from China’s increased involvement, receiving new police academies, vehicles, technology, and equipment. However, the report also highlights troubling aspects, including the presence of individuals with alleged criminal connections at joint policing events.

Agency of Pacific Island Nations

Despite the growing Chinese influence, Pacific nations are not passive recipients of aid. Report author Virginia Comolli notes that these states have demonstrated agency by rejecting intrusive measures like fingerprinting or CCTV surveillance they deem undesirable.

Geopolitical Context and Infrastructure Development

This shift occurs against a backdrop of intensifying geopolitical competition in the Pacific, a region historically dominated by the United States. China is building a network of “dual-use” infrastructure – serving both civilian and military purposes – to expand its influence in this strategically important area. Policing is now a key component of this expanding footprint.

China's Stated Goals and Regional Reach

Chinese diplomats maintain that their engagement in the region aims to foster friendship and support economic development and law enforcement. China’s Ministry of Public Security is currently involved in activities across approximately a dozen Pacific Island countries, excluding Taiwan’s three diplomatic allies: Tuvalu, Palau, and the Marshall Islands.

Training and Infrastructure Investments

By January 2024, around 60 police officers from the Solomon Islands had received training at a specialized center in Fujian province, China. In 2024, a $11 million police training academy, built by China, opened in Samoa, with Chinese officials promoting it as a counterpart to the Fuzhou center.

“Chinese Police Liaison Teams” and Solomon Islands

“Chinese Police Liaison Teams” are operating throughout the region, including in the Solomon Islands since 2022, where they have conducted over 70 training programs. The Solomon Islands, having switched recognition from Taiwan to China in 2019, is a key partner for Beijing, having signed a security agreement in 2022.

Competition with Traditional Partners

China is not the sole provider of policing support. Australia remains the primary partner, with New Zealand also increasing its involvement, recently signing a policing agreement with Samoa to combat drug trafficking. However, China’s presence is creating competition, with reports of Chinese personnel attempting to discourage or intimidate law enforcement advisors from other countries.

Concerns About Criminal Connections

The report documents the presence of individuals with alleged ties to Chinese international crime rings participating in police activities. This raises concerns about the potential for states to utilize organized crime to advance their foreign policy objectives, according to report co-author Martin Thorley.

Distinction Between China and Democratic Partners

Professor Anne-Marie Brady emphasizes the fundamental differences between cooperating with China’s Ministry of Public Security and working with police forces from democratic nations. China’s Ministry of Public Security also handles counter-intelligence, dissident suppression, and counter-terrorism, including efforts to target opponents of the CCP abroad.

Vulnerability and Regional Responses

While Pacific Island nations are generally asserting their agency, some are more vulnerable to Chinese influence. Brady identifies the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and Vanuatu as being particularly susceptible. The report highlights the need for continued assistance and careful assessment of the risks and opportunities presented by China’s growing presence.