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China test-fired a nuclear-capable ballistic missile with a dummy warhead into the Pacific, landing near the exclusive economic zones of Nauru and Tuvalu. The launch drew sharp criticism from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, while Beijing called it routine.
The State of Origin series concludes with Queensland hosting New South Wales at Brisbane's Lang Park in a winner-takes-all Game III. The Maroons levelled the series with a Game II win in Melbourne, while the Blues have won only three of their 13 deciders at the venue. Coverage includes broadcast details, kick-off times across regions, and a recap of the opening matches.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued an unequivocal apology for comments he made about pop star Kylie Minogue during a lighthearted podcast interview. The remarks, made while playing a 'shag, marry or date' game, drew criticism from MPs who called them inappropriate and disrespectful to women.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese apologized after he said on a comedy podcast he would 'shag' singer Kylie Minogue, prompting criticism from female lawmakers and opposition figures. The incident has sparked debate about politicians engaging with new media outlets.
China has test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine into the Pacific Ocean, marking a first for Beijing and drawing mixed reactions across the region. While China called the launch a routine training exercise with relevant countries informed in advance, some regional leaders and analysts expressed alarm, viewing it as a demonstration of China's growing military power.
Australia and Fiji have signed a major defense alliance, the Ocean of Peace Alliance, committing to mutual defense obligations. The pact, signed by Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese and Sitiveni Rabuka in Suva, marks Fiji's first alliance and Australia's fourth formal ally. The move is seen as part of Australia's broader strategy to counter China's influence in the Pacific, which has intensified following China's recent test of a nuclear-capable missile in the region.
China test-launched a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine in the South Pacific, drawing criticism from Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. The test, conducted within the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone, was described by Beijing as routine, but regional leaders called it destabilizing.
China launched a strategic missile with a dummy warhead into the Pacific from a submarine, describing the test as routine training conducted safely and with prior notice. Australia condemned the action as destabilising to the region, while the United States and other nations also raised concerns over notice and international norms. Australian officials said they would raise the matter directly with Chinese counterparts.
Australia and Fiji have signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance, a mutual defence treaty that makes Fiji Australia's fourth official ally. The pact has drawn a warning from China and interest from New Zealand, signalling broader regional security implications.
Guido Petti will earn his 100th cap for Argentina as the Pumas face Wales in the Nations Championship on Saturday. Head coach Felipe Contepomi has made five changes, while the team sets its sights on the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has reiterated his call for the United States to approve a $14bn arms sale package, while defending Taiwan’s refusal to accept unification with China as not being a provocation. The request comes amid reports of a pause in the deal, delayed legislative approval of defence budgets, and ongoing Chinese military pressure in the Western Pacific.
New South Wales can win the State of Origin shield with a victory in Game II at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday night. After a record comeback in Game I, the Blues are one win away from the title, while Queensland must triumph to force a decider in Brisbane.
Somaliland's President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi made his first state visit to Israel, where he met Israeli leaders and opened Somaliland's embassy in Jerusalem. The visit comes months after Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland's independence. The trip also included receiving the Friends of Zion Award, while Somaliland's defense minister denied reports of an Israeli military base in the region.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has announced that the security pact with China, signed in 2022, will remain undisclosed due to a legal non-disclosure clause. Wale, who previously called for transparency, said the binding agreement prevents publication, while he pushes for a new treaty with Australia.
South Africa has begun distributing lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug, in a rollout President Cyril Ramaphosa called a turning point. The country, which has the world's largest HIV-positive population, faces questions about supply and cost as it aims to reduce new infections.
The Quad’s foreign ministers announced plans to develop port infrastructure in Fiji, framing it as a counter to China’s influence in the Pacific. While lauded as the bloc’s first joint infrastructure project, analysts question whether the group’s divergent priorities and US disengagement will derail it. Reactions from China and regional dynamics add layers of complexity.
The US and India have signed a framework agreement to cooperate on critical minerals and rare earths, part of a broader Quad initiative with up to $20 billion in funding. While India holds significant rare earth reserves, analysts question whether these efforts can meaningfully reduce China's overwhelming control of global processing capacity.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has been elected president of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, narrowly defeating Cyprus’s Andreas Kakouris in a secret ballot. Rahman, a career diplomat, will take office in September 2026, with his tenure coinciding with the selection of a new UN Secretary-General.
Solomon Islands' new prime minister Matthew Wale has agreed to start negotiations on a comprehensive treaty with Australia during his visit to Canberra, while confirming his government will review the contentious security pact with China. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed openness to elevating the bilateral relationship as Wale reiterates a policy of 'friends to all, enemies to none.'
Israel has opened a new embassy in Fiji's capital, Suva, 30 years after the previous one was closed, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar attending the ceremony. The move is part of a broader diplomatic strategy to deepen ties with Pacific nations that have consistently supported Israel, and includes new cooperation agreements on national security and diplomatic training. Israel also announced plans to open a representative office in Papua New Guinea.