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 had an interest in ensuring that it’s the biggest player in this part of the world,” ANU National Security College policy advisor David Andrews said. 

Australian Federal Police will lead the five-week course.

They aim to “make a real difference in providing safety and security for a better world,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Northern Command Caroline Taylor said.

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 program is operating out of an AFP facility in Brisbane, where Pacific police are being trained to tackle problems like drugs 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.