Defence Dossier
p. 37 · Read in the full issue
Pacific
Peter Young reports on regional defence allegiances, strategies and forces deployed in the Pacific
IN THE space of less than two years there have been dramatic changes in security arrangements in the South Pacific changes that have seen the region grou from a strategic backwater into a focus of superpower rivalry.
We have also seen the beginning of a re-castmg of tra ditional spheres of influence as island nations have woken to a new sense of identity and nationalism. Much of this dates from the breach between New Zealand and the United States that led to the break-up of the ANZUS al liance in February, 1985. But events since then have led to an increasingly volatile situation It was only as late as June, 1986. that Paul Dibb. in his
review of Australia's defence capabilities, saw' Australia as the major South Pacific power in what he described as “a benign strategic environment".
Since then, however, the Soviet Union has spelt out a claim on the Pacific, there has been a realignment toward a more independent posture in Vanuatu, growing proo lems of decolonisation in New Caledonia ana a sudden cnange of government in Fiji. A pan-Melanesian move ment has emerged and there have been calls for self-de termination in international relations as a new generation comes to power in the region.
There are problems of law and order in PNG. while the situation on the Irian Java border ticks away like a ume bomb: allegations of Indonesia’s recent involvement in PNG’s internal politics gives credence to claims that Jak arta may be moving to challenge Australia s pre-emin ence in the South Pacific.
Japan has announced a “new deal” in its relations with the island states and Australia and New' Zealand have moved to buttress their failing positions through in creased security arrangements. The deployment of US Special Forces in Papua New Guinea, in response to PNG Defence Minister Pokasui’s September call tor wider def ence co-operation measures with “trusted friendly na tions” no matter how small the contingent or how well intentioned the gesture must also be accepted as evi dence of change.
The dramatic coup in Fiji in May has highlighted the potential for further political instability within the region, but the three most important areas of concern must re main as the PNG/Irian Jaya border, the struggle for in dependence in New Caledonia and the threat of superpower confrontation.
USS Vinson on Pacific manoeuvres.