US and Kiribati Collaborate in Pacific Patrol Against Illegal Fishing

US and Kiribati Collaborate in Pacific Patrol Against Illegal Fishing

VoM News Desk | February 26, 2024 | 04:54 PM IST | United States of America, World | Follow on Google News

US and Kiribati Collaborate in Pacific Patrol Against Illegal Fishing

US and Kiribati Collaborate in Pacific Patrol Against Illegal Fishing

During a recent joint patrol against illegal fishing in Kiribati’s expansive exclusive economic zone, the US Coast Guard and Kiribati police boarded two Chinese fishing boats. Despite the heightened tensions in the Pacific region, no issues were found aboard the vessels during routine maritime law enforcement activities.

The United States is actively engaging its coast guard to play a larger role in assisting remote Pacific Islands nations in monitoring vast ocean territories, particularly rich tuna fishing grounds, amid escalating security ties rivalry with China.

Kiribati, strategically positioned with proximity to Hawaii and control over a 3.5 million square kilometer exclusive economic zone, has become a focal point in this geopolitical landscape.

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The recent collaboration between Kiribati police and the US Coast Guard, with Kiribati officers acting as “ship riders” for the first time in nearly a decade, exemplifies the joint efforts to ensure compliance with regulations within Kiribati’s exclusive economic zone.

China’s Increasing Presence in Kiribati

Recent reports suggest that Chinese police are actively involved in community policing and a crime database program in Kiribati. This development aligns with China’s broader strategy in the region. While the US plans to build an embassy in Kiribati to counter China’s influence, it is yet to be realized. The collaboration between Kiribati and the US Coast Guard not only reinforces maritime law enforcement but also highlights the geopolitical significance of this small island nation in the larger Pacific context.

The growing Chinese presence, marked by a significant embassy in Tarawa, underscores the complex interplay of diplomatic and strategic interests in the Pacific region. As the US and China vie for influence, Kiribati’s role becomes increasingly pivotal, shaping the dynamics of security and cooperation in the Pacific Islands.

VoM News Desk

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