Undersea cables: The official perspectives expressed in the Pacific region

This research project has investigated the standpoints of Pacific leaders in relation to undersea communication cables. It has examined key documents and statements of the Pacific Islands Forum, the regional grouping of Pacific governments, to determine how undersea cables are viewed. The paper seeks to foreground the positions formulated by Pacific leaders. The paper argues that the views of Pacific leaders, as articulated in official documents and public statements, differ from the views of others. These differing views are reflected in different approaches. Pacific leaders view cables as infrastructures that can enable and enhance digital connectivity and thus support social and economic development outcomes. While donors also view cables as infrastructures that can enable and enhance digital connectivity, they may make decisions about cable infrastructure projects with geopolitical considerations in mind in the current context. Geopolitical manoeuvring and geoeconomic activities receive a great deal of attention amongst the commentariat and some scholars suggest that they are influencing the design of cable systems. This research has found that Pacific leaders are primarily concerned with improving digital connectivity and enhancing cybersecurity. Nonetheless, Pacific leaders are working towards their development objectives strategically in the current geopolitical context. While the Pacific Islands Forum does acknowledge that it is operating within a context of heightened geopolitical competition, it is endeavouring to remain focused on achievement of its development objectives, which include digital connectivity. • Pacific leaders are keen to improve communication access and address cybersecurity. • Pacific leaders view undersea cables as infrastructure that can enable communication access. • While Pacific leaders are acutely aware of geopolitical contestation and are navigating the context deftly, effort is made to focus on development goals, including connectivity, rather than geopolitical issues.