Australia and its neighbouring countries are seeking to establish a “Pacific Islands Regiment” to strengthen defence ties and protect regional sovereignty, as the Pacific area’s security continues to come under the growing China threat. The new land-based military force, which is raised within the Australian Army, would carry out peacekeeping missions and intervene in the region’s “extra-constitutional crises” if necessary, according to a proposal made in a parliamentary inquiry. It is time for the Australian government to step up its military relationships with Pacific Island states by “innovative and practical” means, the MPs suggested, such as increasing integration on combined training and operations. Members of the regiment and their families could also be granted Australian residency and eventual citizenship. However, the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade subcommittee acknowledged the associated challenges, including consideration of the status of forces agreements, pay and conditions, and veterans affairs. The push for closer Australian-Pacific …