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Anthony Albanese pledges $600 million for new Pacific-wide initiative to combat illicit drug smuggling

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will pledge $600 million for a new Pacific-wide initiative to combat the surge of illicit drug smuggling in the region. The initiative, known as Waqa Moana, will bolster maritime patrols and intelligence sharing to intercept smuggling vessels and narco-submarines. Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett reported that 17 tonnes of illicit drugs, primarily cocaine, have been seized in the Pacific since January, a significant increase from the previous year. The Waqa Moana initiative will provide enhanced aerial surveillance and extra support to police in Fiji, which is among the nations hardest hit by the rise in drug smuggling. During the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, Anthony Albanese also pushed back against China’s Pacific envoy, Qian Bo, who expressed concerns regarding Taiwan’s presence at the forum. While China claims Taiwan as an integral part of its territory, Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung urged Pacific leaders to hold firm against Beijing’s demands. Additionally, the US State Department announced that the administration is spending upwards of $150 million on Pacific projects. These investments include a new hospital relocation project in Palau, which is supported by Taiwan and several other nations.

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