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The Solomon Islands are set to sign a deal allowing US Coast Guard patrols with local police, while Washington has vowed to finance a port at Bina Harbour. Analysts see the moves as part of a US effort to renew ties with the Pacific amid growing Chinese influence.
Two New Zealand men stranded for nearly a week on Mount Popomanaseu in the Solomon Islands have been airlifted to safety after a break in the weather allowed a rescue helicopter to reach them. The pair had been trapped by torrential rain and difficult terrain after their guides could not take them down due to tribal land boundaries.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong told the Garma Festival that historic First Nations connections to the Pacific offer Australia a strategic advantage, as the Prime Minister's absence and calls for a truth-telling process marked the gathering.
China's recent missile launch near Tuvalu has sparked concerns among Pacific island nations, with leaders divided over a unified response. Australian Minister Pat Conroy says the test strengthens the case for a regional security pact, while analysts note the diverse ties with Beijing complicate a collective stance.
China test-fired a nuclear-capable missile from a submarine into the Pacific, its first such launch since 1982, drawing condemnation from Washington and a warning from Nato's Secretary General. The test, which came down near the Solomon Islands, is seen as a show of strength aimed at Pacific nations, the US, and domestic audiences.
A national mobile network outage at Telstra disrupted train services, payment systems and some emergency calls after a software defect in time-keeping servers. Telstra apologised and said services were restored, while the prime minister called the incident deeply concerning and the communications regulator opened an investigation.
Three tankers, including a Qatari LNG vessel, were struck in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Qatar to summon Iran's deputy ambassador and warn of legal responsibility. The US revoked a licence for Iranian oil sales amid rising tensions over navigation fees and regional security.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has proposed a Pacific-wide security agreement and condemned China's recent missile test in the region, saying 'this is not something a friend does.' Fiji and Papua New Guinea leaders also voiced objections, signaling a potential shift in regional attitudes toward China.
China test-launched a long-range, nuclear-capable ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine in the South Pacific on July 6, with the US voicing concern and calling for arms control talks. Taiwan's early-warning radar and New Zealand's advance notification also came into focus in coverage of the event.
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.
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.
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 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.
Australia and Vanuatu have signed a comprehensive economic and security agreement that prohibits foreign military bases on the Pacific island, as reported by multiple sources. The pact, signed in Canberra, also strengthens Australia's role as Vanuatu's primary policing partner and commits to increased economic support, amid regional competition with China.
A new report from the Lowy Institute warns that China's ability to strike Australia with missiles is 'real and growing,' with immediate threats from cyberattacks and undersea cable disruptions. The report also highlights China's expanding military capabilities, including the DF-27 missile, and China has responded by dismissing the findings as a 'serious strategic misjudgement.'
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.
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.