US cautions Pacific Island countries against using Chinese assistance in local law enforcement

The United States has issued a warning to Pacific Island nations after it emerged that Kiribati was actively collaborating with Chinese police officers on the island.

Reuters reported earlier that Chinese police officers were working with local law enforcement in Kiribati, a Pacific Island nation of about 115,000 close to Hawaii.

On Monday, a spokesperson for the US State Department warned that “importing security” from China risks fuelling diplomatic tensions.

“We do not believe importing security forces from the PRC (People’s Republic of China) will help any Pacific Island country.  Instead, doing so risks fueling regional and international tensions.”

The official further stated that Washington does not condone China’s efforts at “transnational repression”, which includes attempts to set up police stations globally.

“We are concerned about the potential implications security agreements and security-related cyber cooperation with the PRC may have for any Pacific Island nation’s autonomy,” the spokesperson added.

According to Reuter, Kiribati’s engagement with Chinese police involves community policing and developing a crime database programme.