In this bulletin:
1. SOL — Solomon Islands PM refuses to convene parliament amid political crisis
2. SOL — Solomon Islands Prime Minister welcomes newly sworn-in ministers
3. SOL — Solomon Islands Government continues uninterrupted; swearing-in of new Ministers expected
4. PNG — Papua New Guinea launches foreign policy blueprint amid rapid global change
5. FIJI — Fiji to host Military Faith Leaders at the Pacific Defence Faith Forum
6. FIJI — Bainimarama and Qiliho pleads not guilty to mutiny charges
7. SOL — Solomon Islands PM Manele meets Kyrgyz special envoy
8. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji Launches Ministry of Policing and Communications Strategic Plan and National Cybersecurity Initiatives
9. PACNEWS BIZ — South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2026 commits to single-use plastic free event
10. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji Airways and Tourism Fiji ink two-year deal
11. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — Pacific security agreements: lessons from the Iran–U.S–Israel conflict
12. PACNEWS DIGEST — On Global Recycling Day 2026 – Don’t think Waste, think Opportunity!
SOL – POLITICS: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS 1: Thu 19 Mar 2026
Solomon Islands PM refuses to convene parliament amid political crisis
HONIARA, 19 MARCH 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — The Solomon Islands’ Prime Minister is refusing to convene parliament next week amid a takeover bid by government defectors who have joined forces with the opposition.
Jeremiah Manele is not expected to convene parliament until May or June and maintains the government is continuing to function despite the political “crisis.”
Manele has been in power less than two years and has already faced two leadership challenges.
Now his former Foreign Minister, and fellow party member, Peter Shanel Agovaka has been recruited by a breakaway group of MPs who want to form a new government.
In a statement the Opposition Leader’s office claimed the defection of 19 government ministers and backbenchers to the Opposition and independent ranks has left Manele running a minority government.
Agovoka told RNZ Pacific on Tuesday that a change of government, led by the People’s First Party (PFP) would see him replace Manele.
“I feel it’s time for me, representing central Guadalcanal, to take up the challenge to lead our country,” he said.
The statement said twenty-seven MPs signed a new coalition government agreement on Tuesday and have filed a motion of no confidence in Manele and his Ownership, Unity and Responsibility (OUR) Party.
The Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation reports the notice was signed by the former Deputy Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for South Vella La Vella, Frederick Kologeto.
It reports that the notice was received on Monday.
The motion can be moved and debated once a seven-day notice period ends, and when the Prime Minister convenes Parliament.
Government House has confirmed receiving a petition from opposition MPs for the Governor-General to order an extraordinary sitting of parliament to debate the motion.
The opposition needs at least 26 MPs to vote in favour of the motion for it to pass. If successful, an election for a new Prime Minister is then held by secret ballot.
The PFP, joined by the official Opposition, have petitioned for an extraordinary sitting of parliament.
“When such a significant number of sitting members, including ministers, abandon their own coalition, it signals a government in serious crisis,” the statement said.
“These decisions were not made lightly, they reflect deep frustrations over internal divisions, lack of trust, and growing concerns that the government has lost its sense of direction and purpose.”
The statement said the mass exodus raised urgent constitutional and governance questions.
“Can a government that has lost the confidence of 19 of its own members continue to claim legitimacy? Can it effectively govern while grappling with internal collapse,” the statement said.
“What is unfolding is not just a reshuffling of numbers; it is a rejection of leadership that has failed to unite, failed to listen, and failed to deliver.”
The breakaway group took part in a highly publicised photo shoot Wednesday as a sign of solidarity.
Agovoka said previously that the 12-member PFP had the numbers to form a new government with the opposition and independent MPs, but the situation was “fluid”.
“There is a critical motion that should be dealt with immediately … we’ll just hope that our number, which is 27, holds,” he said.
However, a spokesperson for the prime minister, Georgina Kekea, said four new MPs would be sworn in as ministers on Wednesday and it was too early to speculate about numbers.
“It’s only through the floor of parliament that we can determine who has the majority, for now its just mere speculation on the numbers,” Kekea said.
Solomon Business Magazine reported that the four new ministers sworn in included former prime minister Manasseh Sogavare who becomes Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination.
The prime minister had said he was not keen to convene parliament until progress was made at committee level on various crucial bills, she said.
“The government is continuing to function, word has gone out to all the ministries encouraging them to continue with their work.”
“In this time of crisis where things are uncertain, we are guided by our Constitution and our laws. We don’t want people to panic, it is what it is in terms of politics,” she said.
Kekea said the country was also being affected by the global crisis (the war in Iran), with rising fuel prices and inflation.
Current PFP leader Fredrick Kologeto told RNZ Pacific on Monday that he expected their support to rise beyond a simple majority in the Solomons’ 50-seat Parliament.
Kologeto said there was a breakdown in trust between ministers and that he ultimately saw no resolution while the OUR Party was in power.
Several ministers defected from OUR to PFP in the past year, including Finance Minister Harry Kuma and Justice Minister Clezy Rore.
Agovaka, who is now in the process of leaving OUR, called out Manele for sacking two PFP Ministers in February and replacing them with OUR members.
“I can’t work with some of the ministers … undermining the integrity of Cabinet and trying to push their own agendas,” he said.
He said the PFP have yet to offer portfolios to other Ministers, but said that opposition leader Matthew Wale, who leads the Democratic Party, would be invited into a new Cabinet.
“There [will be] a coalition between the opposition, independents, and People First … if we come through that, then we can start sitting down and looking at the portfolios.
“We look forward to this change of regime,” Agovaka said…. PACNEWS
SOL – POLITICS: SOLOMON ISLANDS GOVT PACNEWS 1: Thu 19 Mar 2026
Solomon Islands Prime Minister welcomes newly sworn-in ministers
HONIARA, 19 MARCH 2026 (SOLOMON ISLANDS GOVT) — Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has welcomed the newly appointed members of his Cabinet, who were officially sworn in Wednesday by the Governor‑General, Sir David Tiva Kapu, at Government House.
The appointments and adjustments, made pursuant to Section 33(3) of the Constitution, include the following portfolios:
Manasseh Sogavare, Member of Parliament for East Choiseul, has been sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination, replacing Trevor Manemahaga, MP for Gao/Bugotu.
Trevor Manemahaga, Member of Parliament for Gao/Bugotu, has been revoked from his previous role as Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination and transitioned to the role of Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Management, replacing Wayne Osopo Ghemu, MP for Ranongga/Simbo.
Alfred Tuasulia, Member of Parliament for West Kwara’ae, has been sworn in as Minister for Communication and Aviation, replacing Frederick Kologeto, MP for South Vella La Vella, who previously held that portfolio and served as Deputy Prime Minister.
Nestor Giro, Member of Parliament for Central Makira, has been sworn in as Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, replacing Franklyn Derick Wasi, MP for East Makira.
Prime Minister Manele congratulated the Ministers on their appointments, noting that their leadership ensures the Cabinet remains functional and focused on its priorities.
“These appointments are a vital step in ensuring we remain on track to complete the work of the 12th Parliament. I have every confidence in the Ministers’ commitment to seeing through our remaining legislative priorities and delivering on the Government’s 2026 national goals for the people of Solomon Islands,” the Prime Minister said.
Further swearing-in ceremonies are expected as the Government for National Unity and Transformation continues to finalise its executive team…. PACNEWS
SOL – POLITICS: SOLOMON ISLANDS GOVT PACNEWS 1: Thu 19 Mar 2026
Solomon Islands Government continues uninterrupted; swearing-in of new Ministers expected
HONIARA, 19 MARCH 2026 (SOLOMON ISLANDS GOVT) — Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele wishes to assure the people of Solomon Islands that the Executive Government remains fully operational and is taking steps to restore full Cabinet functionality.
The Prime Minister emphasised that government business continues as usual.
“It is during challenging times like these that our country needs a fully functioning government more than ever, not only to ensure stability, but to continue delivering essential services to our people. It is therefore unfortunate that, at a time when our focus should be on protecting our people and economy from external shocks, some leaders are engaged in political manoeuvring,” Prime Minister Manele said.
To ensure Cabinet returns to full strength, the Prime Minister confirmed that further swearing-in ceremonies are expected in the coming days. These appointments will be made in accordance with the Constitution to ensure that leadership across all ministerial portfolios is maintained.
Addressing public speculation concerning the Government’s majority, the Prime Minister reminded the public that the democratic process is governed by the laws of Solomon Islands.
“In our Westminster system, the floor of Parliament is the only place where political numbers are formally determined. Speculation elsewhere does not change the Government’s current mandate to lead,” he said.
The Prime Minister called for patience and calm, urging political leaders and the public alike to place the national interest first.
“Now is not the time for rushed decisions or actions that come at the expense of our citizens. My focus remains on the stability of Solomon Islands and the welfare of our people. There is no cause for alarm; constitutional processes are being respected and will guide us through this period.”
The Prime Minister further assured the public that there is no constitutional crisis.
The Government has funds appropriated by Parliament to meet its obligations until the end of the financial year. Public servants will continue to receive their salaries, and Cabinet will continue to meet and progress Government business, including the submission of Bills to Parliament.
The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet will continue to provide updates as new ministers are sworn in…. PACNEWS
PNG – GEOPOLITICS: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS 1: Thu 19 Mar 2026
Papua New Guinea launches foreign policy blueprint amid rapid global change
PORT MORESBY, 19 MARCH 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — Papua New Guinea’s government has launched a foreign policy white paper which underlines the need to be prepared for rapidly changing geopolitical dynamics.
The country’s “friends to all, enemies to none” mantra remains at the heart of the country’s foreign policy.
Prime Minister James Marape said this reflected PNG’s Melanesian values of peace, hospitality, and dialogue, as well as the country’s Christian heritage.
In a release about the white paper, he stressed the need for PNG to remain proactive and strategic in a time of change shaped by many competing forces, including technological and economic shifts.
“In a world moving at fast pace and shaped by many competing forces, Papua New Guinea must not be surprised by decisions – we must be prepared and positioned,” he said.
Among the key strategies are strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations; safeguarding national sovereignty, borders, and security; enhancing development cooperation; pomoting PNG’s global image and national brand.
PNG is also to establish an embassy in France (Paris), open its new Diplomatic Mission in the United Arab Emirates, and strengthen its existing representation in Jerusalem.
PNG is one of the few countries to open a diplomatic mission to Israel in Jerusalem, whereas most countries with diplomatic ties to Israel have their embassies in Tel Aviv due to the sensitive nature of a territorial dispute between Israelis and Palestinians who both claim Jerusalem as their capital.
Meanwhile, Marape said the White Paper provides a stable, long-term guide that transcends political cycles.
“Prime Ministers come and go, but this policy must stand the test of time as a guide for our nation,” he added…. PACNEWS
FIJI – SECURITY/DEFENSE: FIJI GOVT PACNEWS 1: Thu 19 Mar 2026
Fiji to host Military Faith Leaders at the Pacific Defence Faith Forum
SUVA, 19 MARCH 2026 (FIJI GOVT) — The Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), Major General, Jone Logavatu Kalouniwai will welcome military chaplains and faith leaders from across the South Pacific Defence Minister’s Meeting (SPDMM) nations attending the annual Defence Faith Forum.
The forum is the key annual event of the Pacific Defence Faith Network (PDFN), a SPDMM initiative, providing an excellent platform for military faith leaders to share experiences and deepen our people-to-people relationships. Now in its third iteration, the RFMF is delighted to be hosting this annual event at the Black Rock facilities in Nadi from 21st to 26th March 2026.
SPDMM provides a forum for regional cooperation and drives Pacific-led responses to shared regional challenges. Within this framework, this year’s forum titled ‘Deep Roots’, reflects the stability and growth of this important faith initiative.
Faith leaders will participate in a number of workshops and discussion forums to progress key PDFN objectives as well as share devotionals and undertake micro skilling activities to advance meaningful contribution to SPDMM initiatives particularly the Pacific Response Group.
Members of SPDMM are Australia, Chile, Fiji, France, New Zealand Papua New Guinea and Tonga…. PACNEWS
FIJI – COURT: FIJI TV PACNEWS 1: Thu 19 Mar 2026
Bainimarama and Qiliho pleads not guilty to Mutiny Charges
SUVA, 19 MARCH 2026 (FIJI TV) — Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho have pleaded not guilty to charges of inciting to mutiny.
They appeared before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad in the Suva Magistrate’s Court this morning.
It is alleged that Bainimarama between the 01January 2023 and the 31July 2023 in Suva, sent viber messages to Brigadier General Manoa Gadai in his attempt to incite him to take over command and overthrow the authority of the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Major General Jone Kalouniwai.
For the second count, it is alleged that Bainimarama and Qiliho between 01July 2023 to the 31July, 2023 jointly spoke to Lt Colonel Atunaisa Vakatale, Colonel Aseri Rokoura, Colonel Viliame Draunibaka and others, who were senior officers of RFMF in their joint attempt to incite the senior officers to unlawfully arrest and take over the authority of the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Major General Jone Kalouniwai.
The State has served full disclosures.
State Counsel Luisa Latu informed the court that the prosecution will be calling 24 witnesses in this case.
The matter has been adjourned to 06 May to set the trial date…. PACNEWS
SOL – DIPLOMACY: SOLOMON ISLANDS GOVT PACNEWS 1: Thu 19 Mar 2026
Solomon Islands PM Manele meets Kyrgyz special envoy
SUVA, 19 MARCH 2026 (SOLOMON ISLANDS GOVT) — Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele Wednesday held a bilateral meeting with Anvar Anarbaev, Special Envoy of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in Honiara.
The meeting marked an important step in strengthening diplomatic relations between Solomon Islands and the Kyrgyz Republic, building on more than a decade of formal ties established in 2014. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to multilateralism, the principles of the United Nations Charter, and cooperation within international frameworks.
Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation and advancing shared interests at the United Nations. Prime Minister Manele welcomed the visit as a valuable opportunity to deepen engagement and explore practical areas of collaboration, including sustainable development and institutional cooperation.
Anarbaev briefed the Prime Minister on the Kyrgyz Republic’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term. The visit forms part of the Kyrgyz Republic’s outreach to partners to garner support for its candidature.
The leaders also exchanged views on the importance of inclusive and equitable representation in global decision-making, particularly for developing countries and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Prime Minister Manele reiterated Solomon Islands’ long-standing position on the need for comprehensive reform of the Security Council to better reflect current global realities.
The meeting further provided an opportunity to discuss shared global challenges, including climate change, sustainable development, and international security issues, highlighting the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation in addressing these concerns.
Prime Minister Manele thanked Anarbaev for his visit and reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ interest in further strengthening bilateral relations and engagement with the Kyrgyz Republic.
The Kyrgyz Republic is a landlocked country in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China. It has been a member of the United Nations since 1992 and maintains an active role in international and regional cooperation. Solomon Islands and the Kyrgyz Republic established diplomatic relations in 2014…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
FIJI – CYBER SECURITY: FIJI GOVT PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 19 Mar 2026
Fiji Launches Ministry of Policing and Communications Strategic Plan and National Cybersecurity Initiatives
SUVA, 19 MARCH 2026 (FIJI GOVT) — On Wednesday, Fiji launched the Ministry of Policing and Communications Strategic Plan 2025–2030, the National Cybersecurity and Resilience Strategy 2026–2031, and the National Cybersecurity Website, marking a decisive step forward in advancing the Government’s priorities of good governance, transparency, accountability, and national resilience.
These initiatives position Fiji to respond proactively to emerging security challenges in an increasingly complex global environment.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka officiated at the launch, which was attended by members of the Diplomatic Corps, Members of Parliament, Cabinet Ministers, and key stakeholders.
The head of government highlighted that the Strategic Plan reinforces ethical leadership and professionalism across the Ministry, recognising that public trust is fundamental to effective governance.
“The Strategic Plan provides a clear roadmap for strengthening Fiji’s national security governance, today and into the future. It also advances a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach, ensuring security responses are coordinated, evidence-based, and aligned with national development priorities,” the Prime Minister said.
The Strategic Plan sets out the Government’s key priorities:
· Developing a secure digital economy
· Strengthening digital communications and cybersecurity capabilities
· Combating organised crime and illicit drugs
· Enhancing maritime and border security
· Strengthening community policing partnerships
· Modernising policing capabilities
· Protecting critical infrastructure and information
· Building ethical leadership across the Ministry, which will extend to the wider public service
The National Cybersecurity and Resilience Strategy demonstrate Fiji’s forward-looking commitment to building a secure, inclusive, and resilient digital economy. As financial systems, public services, and infrastructure become increasingly digitised, safeguarding these systems is essential for economic growth, efficient service delivery, and public confidence.
The Strategy establishes a coordinated national framework to:
· Strengthen cybersecurity governance
· Protect critical infrastructure
· Enhance incident response capabilities
· Build national awareness and capacity
The launch of the National Cybersecurity Website further demonstrates Fiji’s commitment to transparency and accessibility. The website provides a central platform for cybersecurity awareness and education, reporting cyber incidents, sharing security advisories, and supporting organisations and individuals to strengthen their digital security practices.
“No nation can address these challenges alone, Fiji values the continued support of its development partners, including Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, in strengthening our national capabilities. These partnerships reflect our shared commitment to regional stability, capacity building, and collective security outcomes.”
The Government will continue to lead through policy, legislation, and institutional strengthening. However, lasting impact depends on the active participation of:
· Communities
· Traditional and faith-based leaders
· Civil society
· The private sector
· Every citizen
This collaboration is particularly important in addressing issues such as drug abuse, cyber awareness, and community safety.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka highlighted that Fiji remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting regional peace, security, and stability. As a responsible member of the Pacific community, Fiji advocates for:
· Peaceful cooperation
· Respect for sovereignty
· Adherence to international norms and laws
“Our national security efforts are not only about protecting Fiji but also about contributing to a stable, secure, and resilient Pacific region,” the Prime Minister said.
The initiatives launched reflect a clear and strategic vision to strengthen governance, accountability, and national resilience, positioning Fiji to meet the challenges of today and the opportunities of tomorrow…. PACNEWS
PAC – TOURISM: SPREP PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 19 Mar 2026
South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2026 commits to single-use plastic free event
NADI, 19 MARCH 2026 (SPREP) — The Pacific Tourism Organisation is setting a clear benchmark for sustainable tourism leadership, announcing that the South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2026, taking place 25–26 March at Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa, will be delivered as a Single-Use Plastic (SUP) Free event.
By eliminating disposable plastics from one of the Pacific’s premier tourism marketplaces, SPTO is sending a strong signal to the industry that the future of Pacific tourism must protect the very oceans, landscapes, and communities that define the region’s appeal. This milestone reinforces SPTO’s commitment to environmental stewardship and aligns with Goal 4 of the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework 2030, which calls for the progressive phase-out of single-use plastics across the tourism sector.
This announcement comes as SPTO partners with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), through the Australian Government-funded Pacific Ocean Litter Project (POLP), as a Regional Leader Sponsor for SPTE 2026. This timely partnership underscores the collective responsibility of Pacific agencies to protect fragile ecosystems while reimagining tourism with sustainability, resilience, and collaboration at its core.
The SUP‑free initiative targets items designed for single use before disposal, including plastic water bottles, cutlery, plates, bowls, straws, cups, takeout containers, gift wraps, and plastic bags. By eliminating these items, SPTE 2026 will promote sustainable alternatives and set a precedent for future tourism events in the region.
This initiative builds on the joint work of SPTO and SPREP through POLP, including the development of a Standards and Certification Programme for phasing out SUPs in Pacific Island tourism industries. A dedicated Marketing and Communications Campaign for the programme will be launched at SPTE 2026, further supporting advocacy and awareness efforts across the sector.
SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker mentioned that by committing to a SUP‑free event, SPTE 2026 contributes to a cleaner, healthier Pacific and sets a benchmark for sustainable tourism practices across the region. This initiative is not only about one event—it is about shaping the future of Pacific tourism for generations to come.
“Delivering the South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2026 as a single-use plastic–free event demonstrates the Pacific tourism sector’s readiness to lead by example. SPTO believes that protecting our oceans and natural environments is not optional — it is fundamental to the future of our visitor economy. By working with regional partners to remove single-use plastics and promote responsible event practices, we are reinforcing the Pacific’s commitment to sustainable, climate-conscious tourism that benefits both our communities and our ecosystems,” Cocker said.
SPREP Director General, Sefanaia Nawadra highlighted that tourism and ocean health are closely interconnected in the Pacific, and initiatives like this show how regional collaboration can translate sustainability commitments into practical action.
SPREP is pleased to continue its partnership with the SPTO and its membership through the SPTO’s Sustainable Tourism Programme. Our Pacific Ocean Litter Project enables SPTO to host a “Single Use Plastic Free SPTE in 2026.” It is important that Tourism as the largest economic sector in our region and its stakeholders continue to show not only economic but also social and environmental leadership and stewardship,” Nawadra said.
“We can earn money and build livelihoods for our nations and communities while continuing to uphold our social responsibilities, conserve our natural capital and continue to sustainably develop this important sector of our economy.”
Trade single‑use plastics for sustainable substitutes—protect the paradise your guests travel the world to experience, and future‑proof your business. Join the growing number of Pacific tourism operators who are attracting conscious travellers and safeguarding our shared environment…. PACNEWS
FIJI – TOURISM: FBC NEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 19 Mar 2026
Fiji Airways and Tourism Fiji ink two-year deal
SUVA, 19 MARCH 2026 (FBC NEWS) — A new two-year agreement between Fiji Airways and Tourism Fiji aims to boost visitor numbers and strengthen Fiji’s global reach.
The MOU focuses on increasing passenger loads and attracting tourists through coordinated marketing.
Managing Director and CEO Paul Scurrah says the airline is committed to supporting tourism, the backbone of Fiji’s economy.
He adds that the renewed deal builds on past success to convert travel interest into bookings.
Tourism Fiji CEO Paresh Pant says Fiji Airways remains a key partner in ensuring easy access for travellers.
The agreement will expand Fiji’s presence in priority and emerging markets.
Under the deal, both organisations will roll out co-branded campaigns, trade engagement, and public relations across Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Asia, and the Pacific. Scurrah identifies North America as a major growth opportunity, while Pant notes that Fiji Airways’ oneworld alliance will help reach new travellers in the United Kingdom and India.
Tourism accounts for about 40 percent of Fiji’s economy and supports over 150,000 jobs, with Fiji Airways carrying around 70 percent of air arrivals.
Scurrah says the airline is monitoring global developments, including Middle East tensions, but will maintain full operations as Fiji’s safe reputation continues to drive strong demand…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS In Focus
Pacific security agreements: lessons from the Iran–U.S–Israel conflict
By Bal Kama
CANBERRA, 19 MARCH 2026 (DEVPOLICY.ORG) — The escalating conflict involving Iran, the United States (U.S) and Israel might seem distant from the Pacific, yet its strategic implications reach deep into the region. When Iran retaliated, it didn’t just strike Israel or U.S warships. It struck ten other countries in the region such as Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Jordan.
Not because those countries fired a shot. Not because they declared war. But because they hosted foreign military installations through security agreements they had signed in peacetime.
Countries in the Pacific including Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Kiribati have either signed, are considering, or are being courted into security partnerships with Australia, the United States and China. The Iran-U.S-Israel conflict exposes important realities about modern warfare, alliance politics and the risks that accompany security partnerships.
Three key lessons emerge for Pacific states.
Before examining these lessons, it is necessary to understand the broader legal and geopolitical context.
International law scholars have widely questioned the legality of the U.S and Israeli strikes on Iran. Under Article 51 of the UN Charter, force is permitted only in cases of self-defence against an actual or imminent attack. Critics argue that this threshold was not clearly met, raising concerns that the strikes could violate international law.
Australia has not directly joined combat operations and has maintained strategic silence on the legality of the conflict — unlike other Western countries, particularly Spain and Norway, which have publicly criticised the strikes as unlawful. Yet Australia remains deeply integrated with U.S military structures. Reports that Australian submariners were aboard the USS Minnesota during operations against the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena, along with Australia’s deployment of surveillance aircraft and personnel to the UAE, illustrate this integration.
Against this backdrop, the characteristics of the Iran-U.S-Israel war bear three important lessons for the Pacific.
First, security agreements might unintentionally make smaller states potential targets.
Iran’s retaliatory strikes on countries hosting U.S military assets — such as Bahrain, the UAE and Kuwait — demonstrate that states can become targets not because they initiate conflict, but because they are perceived as supporting allied operations.
Long-range weapons have eroded the protective value of geography. Modern warfare relies on drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles capable of striking thousands of kilometres away.
For Pacific countries considering deeper security cooperation with Australia, the U.S or China, this raises legitimate concerns. In a major Indo-Pacific conflict, states hosting or facilitating foreign military assets or intelligence facilities could become strategic targets.
This concern has been recently echoed by the former PNG Defence Force commander Brigadier General Jerry Singirok, who warned that foreign-linked military facilities could place PNG in a vulnerable position.
Security cooperation brings benefits — training, maritime surveillance, disaster response and capacity-building — but the Iran conflict shows that such arrangements also carry real risks.
A second lesson is that security partnerships do not guarantee protection during conflict.
The Middle East crisis highlights the limits of even the strongest alliances. Despite extensive U.S security partnerships in the Gulf, Washington cannot fully shield partner states from missile and drone attacks.
Modern warfare has lowered the barriers to projecting destructive power. Even limited capabilities can inflict significant damage through missiles and drones, cyber operations or economic disruption.
For Pacific states, this means that security agreements with powerful partners do not eliminate vulnerability. In a major Indo-Pacific conflict, the ability of external powers to sustain operations across the vast Pacific would be constrained by logistics, geography and operational capacity.
The same applies to any hypothetical Chinese military presence. Even if China were to establish facilities in the Pacific, sustaining operations across such distances would be difficult.
No major power can provide absolute security guarantees in the Pacific. This underscores the need for carefully designed agreements that protect sovereignty and avoid unnecessary strategic exposure.
The third lesson is about trust in Australia’s regional leadership. For many Pacific countries, security agreements with Australia are grounded not only in capability but in trust. Australia’s long-standing presence through development assistance, disaster response and institutional cooperation has fostered a sense of “Pacific family.”
But that trust is not unconditional.
Pacific states want Australia to act not merely as an extension of U.S power but as an independent regional leader capable of exercising its own judgement, especially when international law and regional stability are at stake. This resonates with the position of some of Australia’s leading Prime Ministers such as Malcolm Fraser and Paul Keating.
In the current Iran-U.S-Israel conflict, several Western allies have distanced themselves from U.S or Israeli positions when legal or strategic concerns arise. Australia faces a similar test.
The Iran-U.S-Israel conflict shows that security agreements are no longer abstract diplomatic instruments. In an era of geopolitical competition and long-range military technologies, they carry real consequences.
Pacific nations cannot avoid these dynamics. Hard-power considerations — often regarded in the region, and rightly so, as secondary to development and climate priorities — are nevertheless becoming increasingly central to the region’s evolving strategic environment.
This does not mean Pacific states should avoid partnerships, as strategic alignment may be necessary for some in the region. However, such agreements must be carefully reassessed or structured to safeguard against unnecessary and costly entanglements.
As for Australia, the Iran conflict is a test of how it balances alliance loyalty, international law and regional leadership. How Canberra navigates this moment may impact on the future credibility of its security partnerships across the Pacific…. PACNEWS
Dr Bal Kama is Director of Kamana Legal and Advisory, a firm specialising in law, governance and development. He is a former law academic at The Australian National University and the University of Canberra.
PACNEWS DIGEST
On Global Recycling Day 2026 – Don’t think Waste, think Opportunity!
APIA, 19 MARCH 2026 (SPREP) — With excitement and determination, Year 8 students from Ah Mu Academy in Samoa traded time in the classroom for a day where they played waste detectives at SPREP’s Vailima headquarters, before they were crowned Pacific Recycling Heroes.
The students actively engaged in SPREP’s commemoration of Global Recycling Day guided by the theme: “Recycling Heroes: Don’t Think Waste – Think Opportunity.”
Facilitated by the Waste Management and Pollution Control (WMPC) programme, the students received valuable lessons on different waste streams, circular economy and the specific challenges of waste management in Samoa, and the Pacific.
Ah Mu Academy teacher, Salafai Lauaki-Losivale, said the interactive nature of the sessions delivered by SPREP staff inside the room and in the outdoors made it easier for the students to understand a topic that can sometimes be challenging to grasp.
“We’ve learnt a lot today and we are extremely grateful for this opportunity so thank you SPREP,” she said. “Armed with this new-found knowledge about waste, its impact and what we can do as individuals and communities, this is a very good seed to plant now in the students as they continue their learning journey.”
Ah Mu Academy is a private primary school located in Pesega, Samoa. It serves students up until Year 8 and actively participates in the commemoration of national and international events such as Global Recycling Day.
The Global Recycling Day is held annually on 18 March to recognise and celebrate the importance of recycling in preserving natural resources and securing the planet’s future. It promotes a circular economy, encouraging individuals, governments, and businesses to prioritise recycling, reduce waste, and manage resources sustainably.
SPREP Director of WMPC, Anthony Talouli, reminded that on Global Recycling Day, we are responsible for our environment.
“If we look after the environment, the environment will look after us,” he said. “Today as we join the world in celebrating Global Recycling Day, I encourage all of us not to think waste but think opportunity.
“It’s a challenge for us to look at our rubbish differently. It’s not just trash; it’s a resource waiting to be transformed.
“And I think working with students whose minds and imaginations are very active is an important part of this work as these students will learn and take the message further as future leaders.”
Susana Telakau, SPREP Solid Waste Management Adviser added that the day’s programme was designed to help students discover the hidden value in what we throw away and learn how they can become Recycling Heroes in the Pacific.
“An exciting part of our day was when students became waste detectives! They worked in teams, they analysed pre-sorted waste samples to identify items, categorise them, and calculate what could have been recycled or composted. They learnt to track waste patterns and discover opportunities for reduction.”
Students also took part in a Waste Sorting Challenge, where teams had to correctly sort a pile of mixed refuse into appropriate bins: General Waste, Recyclable Plastics (PET/HDPE), Aluminium Cans, and Compost/Organic.
“One of the goals for today was to inspire students to become Recycling Heroes by understanding that waste is an opportunity, not just rubbish and I think we achieved that.”
Global Recycling Day was created in 2018 to help recognise, and celebrate, the importance recycling plays in preserving our precious primary resources & securing the future of our planet.
Every year the Earth yields billions of tons of natural resources, and they are running out. That’s why we must think again about what we throw away, seeing not waste, but opportunity…. PACNEWS