"The Pacific Games are a history-making moment for Solomon Islands, and we are very proud to be a part of it."

With the Pacific region’s strategic importance in the superpower contest between the United States and China firmly established, the stakes at this Forum meeting - and forthcoming ones - are evidently much higher than ever before.

The RSIPF is leading the security operation for the Pacific Games, which runs from 19 November to 2 December, 2023.

It is the first time Solomon Islands will host the games, with 5,000 participants from 24 Oceania countries and territories to compete in 24 sports from 19 November to 2 December, 2023.

Many analysts believe that because of China’s growing assertiveness and ambition, the U.S. expects and is preparing for a possible showdown. 

The high-end capability is purpose-built for disarming and disposing improvised explosive devices and explosive ordnances, and will be used by the RSIPF to manage the risk of explosive devices.

The new AUD$1.5 million (SBD$8.1 million) purpose-built Kukum Traffic Centre will provide up to 70 RSIPF traffic officers with a modern work environment and is fully equipped with new IT equipment.

Details of the deal caused a stir, especially the Solomon Star’s pledges to promote “China’s goodwill” and its role as the country’s “most generous and trusted development partner.”

July has already seen Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare visit China, French President Emmanuel Macron visit Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia, and United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken visit Tonga (Australia and New Zealand).

The Pacific island countries stand to benefit from any improvement in relations between two big development partners.