Australia has launched a world-first program to train Pacific Island police to become United Nations peacekeepers.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is on an intensifying push in the Pacific to prove Australia is more than just a neighbour.

“Australia has always been keen on maintaining its dominance in this region,” remarked David Andrews, a policy advisor at the ANU National Security College. 

Australian Federal Police will lead the five-week course.

Their goal is to “play a significant role in ensuring global safety and security,” stated Caroline Taylor, Acting Assistant Commissioner Northern Command.

AFP Pacific Commander Phillippa Connell said it “reinforced Australia’s position as the security partner of choice in our region”.

Eleven nations are taking part, including Samoa, Fiji, Timor and the Solomon Islands.

The initiative is based at an AFP site in Brisbane, focusing on training Pacific police forces to address issues such as drug and human trafficking.

Australia’s bid to boost its role in the Pacific is no accident, ensuring Australia remains the region’s security partner of choice while countering growing Chinese influence. 

“China is with open arms willing to make all sorts of contributions to security throughout the region,” Andrews told 9News.