We Pacific Response Group (PRG) are eager to continue growing in our work. Secondly, they will deploy new stabilisation missions to strengthen security architectures across the broader Pacific region. This recent and welcome development follows closely on the heels of the upcoming Chillean military exercise, “Express.” Scheduled for 2027 to 2028, the exercise will concentrate on PRG operations. The program seeks to bolster “Pacific-led” security efforts. This will deny authoritarian nations, like the People’s Republic of China and Russia, greater ability to influence the Pacific Islands.
Created only a year ago, the PRG has so far mainly focused on crises already in motion. The PRG now consists of the three Pacific nations. It now hopes to successfully expand its mission to address security threats from foreign adversaries. A military adviser from each of the participating countries will be attached to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. Their mission is to guide the rewind button back to where it belongs.
A New Era of Security Focus
The forthcoming military exercise would be the most symbolic move yet in the PRC’s strategic pivot from operational defense to offense. It is meant to be “PRG-driven,” consistent with the collective wish of member countries to encourage stability in the region. In recent years, the PRG has adapted to address increasing geopolitical concerns. This is particularly true with respect to the increasing impact of authoritarian states in the Pacific.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles underlined the need for such a move. He was backed up on this point in discussions by other countries at the SPDMM. He stated, “All of the members of SPDMM and all of the observers who are here at SPDMM as well; the UK, Japan and the United States, all of us share values as democracies, as countries which respect freedom of speech, and which seek to uphold a rules-based order.”
Marles further pointed out that a rules-based order is paramount for nations like Australia and New Zealand, noting, “And a rules-based order is very much in the national interest of countries of our size. It gives us agency.” The focus on democratic values further highlights the PRG’s dedication to addressing the growing threats that such authoritarian pressures pose to our democracy.
Navigating Regional Concerns
The proposed expansion of the PRG’s mission will be contentious among Pacific nations. Three of those countries—Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and Vanuatu—have developed security and policing relationships with China. These ties may further undermine attempts by Australia and New Zealand to rally allies to support the PRG’s efforts.
Anna Powles, a political scientist from Massey University, said there were ominous signs about what this change might mean. She noted, “We cannot talk about a Pacific family first approach to security if not all family members are included.” This alarmist sentiment underscores the need to bring all Pacific nations into the fold when discussing new or existing security frameworks.
When it comes to future PRG missions, Powles pointed out issues surrounding optics and representation. “The ministers’ forum will need to carefully consider the optics of which member countries deploy as part of a PRG mission as well as considering who is and who is not included,” she stated. The long-term success of these missions will probably depend on their accomplishing a greater “Pacific buy-in” to provide extra legitimacy and sustainability.
Collaboration for Future Success
Amid these smothering changes to regional dynamics, partnership between Pacific countries has never been more important. The PRG intentionally grounds its work in Australia’s “hub and spokes” system of security agreements. This strengthens shared U.S. and partner-country efforts to realize regional stability. New Zealand Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk emphasized this collaborative spirit, saying, “So whatever the challenge, we know that if we are stronger together, we’ll be well placed to react.”
Our external partners such as the United Kingdom, Japan, and the United States are extremely involved in the SPDMM. Their participation underscores the robust coalition we have committed to supporting Pacific-led efforts. These countries dispatched monitors to take part in conversations about deepening security architectures in the area.
As discussions continue regarding the future direction of the PRG and its operations, it remains essential for Australia and New Zealand to effectively communicate the benefits of this expanded remit to other Pacific Island nations. The long-term success of these kinds of initiatives will hinge on developing trust and encouraging mutually beneficial relationships between all parties participating in the initiative.
