In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC — China does not seek ‘sphere of influence’’ in ties with Pacific Island nations, foreign minister says
2. PNG — Former PNG Opposition leader among new ministers
3. VAN — Vanuatu PM to continue consultations on Mathew and Hunter issue
4. COOKS — ‘We’re opening the door’: Young Cook Islanders call for new generation of leaders
5. FIJI — Fiji Military must not replace civilian policy, Defence Minister tells Parliament
6. PNG — Former PNG judge to lead ICAC
7. PNG — PM Marape’s travels‘for’ PNG
8. PACNEWS BIZ — Chinese longliner arrested in Tuvalu over suspected Illegal fishing activity
9. PACNEWS BIZ — Solomon Islands PM Wale targets full onshore tuna processing
10. PACNEWS BIZ — Major investments to strengthen Fiji’s fisheries sector
11. PACNEWS BIZ — Focus on extending iqoliqoli into Fiji’s EEZ instead of identity debates: Fiji President
12. PACNEWS DIGEST — International Criminal Court ‘a critical cog’ in global justice efforts
PAC – DIPLOMACY: CHINA DAILY PACNEWS 1: Wed 15 Jul 2026
China does not seek ‘sphere of influence’ in ties with Pacific island nations, foreign minister says
BEIJING, 15 JULY 2026 (CHINA DAILY)—China has no geopolitical intention in developing its relations with Pacific island countries and does not seek any so-called sphere of influence, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday, noting that its relations with Pacific island countries should not be disrupted by any third party.
When meeting with Solomon Islands Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Rick Houenipwela in Beijing, Wang stressed that developing relations with Pacific island countries is aimed at promoting South-South cooperation and common development.
Wang said that Pacific Island countries are sovereign and independent states, not anyone’s “backyard”, and have the right to independently choose their development partners.
China’s cooperation with the Solomon Islands comes with no political strings attached, is not forcibly imposed, and makes no empty promises, the foreign minister stressed.
China is willing to strengthen the alignment of development strategies with the Solomon Islands, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, expand practical cooperation in areas such as green energy, and deepen people-to-people exchanges in education, healthcare, and youth, Wang said.
China and the Solomon Islands established diplomatic relations in 2019, after the Pacific island country severed “diplomatic ties” with the Taiwan region.
China appreciates the new Solomon Islands government’s reaffirmation of its firm commitment to the one-China principle, Wang said, adding that it will consolidate the political foundation of bilateral ties and create necessary conditions for deepening bilateral cooperation.
Houenipwela said the Solomon Islands relationship with China is very important and expressed gratitude for China’s long-standing support for the country’s economic and social development.
Noting that China is the Solomon Islands’ largest trading partner and that the two countries have signed dozens of cooperation memorandums of understanding, he said the Solomon Islands looks forward to expanding trade and investment with China and deepening bilateral practical cooperation.
The Solomon Islands is also willing to play an active role in promoting cooperation between China and Pacific island countries, he added…PACNEWS
PNG – CABINET RESHUFLLE: NBC PNG NEWS PACNEWS 1: Wed 15 Jul 2026
Former PNG Opposition leader among new ministers
PORT MORESBY, 15 JULY 2026 (NBC PNG NEWS) —Former Papua New Guinea Opposition leader Douglas Tomuriesa is among six new ministers sworn in at Government House Tuesday.
He replaces Wake Goi as Minister for Civil Aviation.
Wake Goi has been moved to Commerce and Industry, replacing Win Bakri Daki, who is awaiting an investigation over a K200 million Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) funding allegations.
Moresby North East MP John Kaupa takes over Environment, Conservation and Climate Change from former Minister and Lufa MP, Simo Kilepa.
Bogia MP Robert Naguri will now head Information and Communication Technology, taking over from Timothy Masiu.
Okapa MP Saki Soloma has been appointed Labour Minister, replacing Kessy Sawang.
Francis Kikin Siune now takes over Education from Lucas Dekena, while Delta Fly MP Agena Gamai replaces his Western brother and Sekie Agisa as Livestock Minister.
Prime Minister James Marape also announced that Health Minister Elias Kapavore will move to Defence, while Dr Billy Joseph will take over the Health Ministry, but retained the National Disaster Ministry, which was under Defence formerly.
William Bando leaves the Coffee Ministry to take up Immigration, while the Coffee Ministry is now offloaded to Miki Kaeok, who will now look after the Transport and Coffee Ministries together.
Speaking after the formalities, Prime Minister Marape said he will also take charge of Correctional Service, Sports, and the National Volunteer Services.
He said the changes are aimed at repositioning the government ahead of the national elections…. PACNEWS
VAN – DIPLOMACY/POLITICS: VBTC PACNEWS 1: Wed 15 Jul 2026
Vanuatu PM to continue consultations on Mathew and Hunter issue
PORT VILA, 15 JULY 2026 (VBTC)—Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat says Government will continue consultations with leaders, including those from Tafea Province, before deciding its next course of action on the Mathew and Hunter Islands sovereignty issue.
The statement follows a meeting Tuesday between the Prime Minister and former national leaders and Independence pioneers, who provided their views on the ongoing sovereignty and maritime boundary matter.
The consultation brought together former Prime Ministers Joe Natuman, Maxime Carlot Korman, and Barak Sopé, former Head of State Kalkot Mataskelekele, and two of Vanuatu’s first ministers, Vincent Bulekon and Sethy Regenvanu.
Prime Minister Napat said the experience and guidance of former leaders were important as Government considers the way forward following recent negotiations with France that ended without an agreement.
“I acknowledge the presence of our former leaders, many of whom are veteran politicians who have held positions such as Head of State, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, ministers, and leaders of opposition. I thank them for coming today to discuss a subject that is very important for us as a nation — our two islands further down south, Mathew and Hunter,” said PM Napat.
He said the discussions provided valuable input from leaders who have previously been involved in national issues relating to sovereignty and maritime boundaries.
“I take this opportunity to thank them for the discussions and the input they have provided, which can help address the issue of sovereignty and maritime boundaries.”
The Prime Minister said the Government will continue consultations, including with leaders from Tafea Province, before providing further updates on the next course of action.
The consultations come after Vanuatu and France concluded their latest bilateral discussions without reaching an agreement on the sovereignty and maritime boundary issue involving Umaenupne (Matthew) and Umaeneg/Leka (Hunter) Islands….PACNEWS
COOKS – ELECTION/POLITICS: COOK ISLANDS NEWS PACNEWS 1: Wed 15 Jul 2026
‘We’re opening the door’: Young Cook Islanders call for new generation of leaders
RAROTONGA, 15 JULY 2026 (COOK ISLANDS NEWS) —For Sammy Mataroa, a first-time Cook Islands parliamentary candidate, running for office is not just about winning.
He wants to inspire more young Cook Islanders to believe they can help shape the country’s future.
Mataroa, running in the upcoming general election for the Democratic Party, says he hopes to create opportunities for the next generation of leaders. He wants to show that young people can step up and make a difference in their communities.
Joining him in that message is Democratic Party candidate Davina Hosking Ashford, who is standing for a second time.
Although representing different constituencies, both candidates say they hope their campaigns will encourage more young Cook Islanders to become involved in leadership and public service.
Born and raised in New Zealand, Mataroa first returned to Rarotonga as a child, then moved back permanently in 2013.
“My granddad sent me back because he believed that there wasn’t enough here for me. He felt there wasn’t enough education and there wasn’t enough here to help me get through in life,” Mataroa said.
“When I came back in 2013, I was old enough to make my own decision, and I stayed.”
Over time, Mataroa became increasingly involved in his community, particularly through mentoring young people facing difficult circumstances.
“I did a lot of the things I’ve done quietly because I don’t feel it should be promoted, especially the work I was doing helping youth who were dealing with trauma,” he said.
“I still do that quietly today. The best part is seeing their success, seeing the change they’ve made from the life they’ve come from into the life they have now. It’s rewarding for me. That’s what gives me joy.”
He said those experiences strengthened his desire to contribute in a broader way.
“For these two, for us to take on people with so much experience, it takes courage,” he said. “But we’re trying to open the doors for the mapu. We’re asking for the vote so we can do that.”
Mataroa believes more young people should feel confident stepping into leadership roles.
Davina Hosking Ashford said her own journey began when she left the Cook Islands at 18 to attend university in New Zealand, taking advantage of the opportunity available to Cook Islanders as New Zealand citizens.
“I wanted to leave this country,” she said. “I wanted to experience the big city because there’s no big city here.”
Although she enjoyed studying overseas, she always intended to return home.
“I felt guilty for leaving, but I also had to leave to save myself,” she said. “Because it’s built into me to come home, I was dying to come home. There’s no place like home.”
Hosking Ashford believes young Cook Islanders should be encouraged to gain experience overseas before returning with new skills and ideas.
“Our mapu need to be exposed to the world, but we need to instil in them how to come home,” she said.
She said stepping forward as a candidate is about creating opportunities for those who will follow.
“I’m asking for your vote because I need to get in to make way for you,” she said. “If I don’t get in, it will be 20 years before the next challenger comes along. That will be you. So we’ve got to get in to make way for you.”
Hosking Ashford said she wants more young people to see leadership as something they can aspire to.
“I often hear the words ‘for our future generations.’ It’s a phrase that’s become part of almost every speech, almost every policy announcement and every campaign. But perhaps it’s time to ask ourselves an important question. If we truly believe in the future generations, when do we begin trusting them to help lead the future?”
Both candidates acknowledged the encouragement they have received from their families, saying that support has helped them pursue public service despite the challenges of campaigning.
For Mataroa and Hosking-Ashford, the message they hope to leave with young Cook Islanders is simple.
“We’re trying to open the doors for the mapu. We’re asking for the vote so we can make way for the next generation,” he said…. PACNEWS
FIJI – MILITARY: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 1: Wed 15 Jul 2026
Fiji Military must not replace civilian policy, Defence Minister tells Parliament
SUVA, 15 JULY 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—The military must never become a substitute for civilian policy, Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua told Parliament as he outlined wide-ranging reforms aimed at strengthening Fiji’s security sector.
Speaking during debate in Parliament, Tikoduadua said while the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) has an important role, the distinction between military and police responsibilities must be preserved.
“Force ought to be used when lawfully authorised and genuinely necessary, but it must not become a substitute for civilian policy,” he said.
“The distinction between police and military responsibilities is a safeguard for democracy, for the public, and for the disciplined forces themselves.”
The minister said Government had begun a comprehensive programme of security sector reform that extends beyond acquiring new assets.
He said the reforms include reviewing the laws and policies governing the RFMF, advancing Fiji’s maritime security strategy, developing the country’s first national peacekeeping strategy, strengthening the search and rescue framework, preparing a defence cyber security strategy, and improving the ministry’s policy oversight, intelligence assessment, international engagement and civilian oversight.
“These reforms may attract less public attention than any vessel or facility, but lasting security depends upon sound laws, clear mandates, professional education, and accountable institutions,” he said.
Tikoduadua also highlighted reforms within the RFMF, including the establishment of a Joint Logistics Command and the implementation of an automated logistics management system to improve inventory control, efficiency and operational readiness.
“A military institution is not made effective by appearance alone,” he said.
“Its true strength is found in the system that ensures personnel are trained, supplied, supported, and ready when the nation requires them.”
He said modernisation should be measured by more than new equipment.
“Modernisation must therefore be measured not only by what is purchased, but by whether the institution becomes more disciplined, sustainable, and capable of fulfilling its lawful responsibilities,” Tikoduadua said…..PACNEWS
PNG – ANTI CORRUPTION: NBC PNG NEWS PACNEWS 1: Wed 15 Jul 2026
Former PNG judge to lead ICAC
PORT MORESBY, 15 JULY 2026 (NBC PNG NEWS)—The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has formally handed over leadership to its new acting commissioner, retired Papua New Guinea Judge Don Sawong.
Sawong succeeds outgoing acting Commissioner Thomas Eluh, who served in the role for a year.
The two formally exchanged the leadership Tuesday in a small event in Port Moresby.
Reflecting on his tenure as acting commissioner, Eluh said the commission has gone through challenges since its establishment.
He congratulated Sawong on his appointment and pledged his full support to moving the commission forward.
Sawong previously served as a judge at the National and Supreme Courts of Papua New Guinea and PNG’s Ambassador to China.
In assuming the role, he acknowledged the leadership of Eluh for his service to the commission.
He also assured to strengthen the commission’s work during his tenure. …PACNEWS
PNG – POLITICS: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS 1: Wed 15 Jul 2026
PM Marape’s travels‘for’ PNG
PORT MORESBY, 15 JULY 2026 (THE NATIONAL)–Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape says he travels overseas because of business for the sake of the country.
Marape said during the PNG Resources Week conference in Port Moresby that “when I am watching rugby league with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, I am not enjoying rugby but I am doing business for the national interest”.
“When I am drinking coffee with France President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on the riverside, I am not just wasting time there. I am talking about Papua LNG,” he said.
“When I am visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping, we are talking about securing our market.
“When I am visiting the Japanese Prime Minister, they have appetite for all our produce, agriculture, minerals and energy. This is the work a prime minister must do.”
Marape said foreign policy was directly connected to economic development.
“Every international engagement is about opening markets, attracting investment and creating opportunities for Papua New Guineans.”
Marape expressed confidence in PNG’s long-term future.
“The next 20 years will be one of the most exciting periods in our country’s history,” he said….PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
TUVALU – ILLEGAL FISHING: SEA SHEPHERD PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 15 Jul 2026
Chinese longliner arrested in Tuvalu over suspected Illegal fishing activity
FUNAFUTI,15 JULY 2026 (SEA SHEPHERD) —The Tuvalu Police Service, while on patrol aboard the Sea Shepherd vessel Allankay, on 09 July 2026 boarded and arrested the Chinese longliner Lu Rong Yuan Yu 138.
The vessel was detected fishing at night in Tuvaluan waters without navigation lights, while transmitting Automatic Identification System (AIS) data indicating that it was operating near the equator, far outside the jurisdiction of the South Pacific nation.
Once aboard, police inspectors determined that the vessel’s Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Fishing Authorisation had expired. Under the regional fisheries management framework adopted by FFA member countries, foreign fishing vessels must maintain a valid FFA Good Standing Authorisation. Without this valid authorisation, the vessel was not legally permitted to fish in Tuvaluan waters.
Police inspectors also observed sharks being discarded overboard without being recorded in the vessel’s official logbook.
Following this inspection and analysis of vessel tracking data, the Tuvalu Police Service officers identified multiple indicators of possible illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activity and placed the vessel under arrest. It was escorted by the Allankay to the Port of Funafuti, where it remains detained pending further investigation.
“This case demonstrates how technology can be used not only to improve transparency at sea, but also to undermine it. By combining satellite intelligence with frontline patrols at sea aboard Allankay, the Tuvalu Police Service was able to detect and intercept a vessel that appeared to be concealing its true location. Illegal fishing depends on avoiding detection. Every successful enforcement operation makes that strategy less viable,” said Peter Hammarstedt, Chief Campaigns Officer at Sea Shepherd Global.
Since 2024, Sea Shepherd Global has supported the Tuvalu Police Service in patrolling Tuvalu’s 750,000-square-kilometre Exclusive Economic Zone to strengthen fisheries enforcement, deter illegal fishing, investigate suspected dark vessel activity, and gather evidence for potential prosecutions.
This arrest follows earlier successes under the partnership. In 2024, Tuvalu Police Service officers aboard Allankay recovered 9.5 kilometers of illegal longline fitted with 171 hooks from within Tuvaluan waters. The gear had already captured seven yellowfin tuna, one marlin, and a juvenile silky shark, a species classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), before it was seized as evidence.
AIS is an internationally recognised maritime safety system that automatically broadcasts a vessel’s identity, position, course, and speed to nearby vessels and shore-based authorities. Originally developed to reduce the risk of collisions at sea, AIS has also become a critical tool for monitoring global fishing activity, enabling governments and civil society to track vessel movements and identify suspicious behavior.
The deliberate transmission of false AIS data, known as AIS spoofing, creates the false appearance that a vessel is operating somewhere other than its true location, often to conceal unauthorised incursions into foreign or protected waters, evade surveillance and fisheries enforcement, disguise encounters with other vessels, or obscure the origin of illegally caught fish.
Lu Rong Yuan Yu 138 has previously been detected operating without transmitting AIS data in Tuvaluan waters. During this incident, however, its AIS remained active while transmitting a position inconsistent with its actual location within Tuvalu’s waters……PACNEWS
SOL – TUNA INDUSTRY: ISLAND SUN PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 15 Jul 2026
Solomon Islands PM Wale targets full onshore tuna processing
HONIARA, 15 JULY 2026 (ISLAND SUN)— Prime Minister Matthew Wale says the GREAT Coalition government aims to progressively achieve 100 per cent onshore tuna processing to ensure more benefits from the country’s fisheries remain in Solomon Islands.
Speaking during the recent launch of the government’s policy statement, Wale said for decades Solomon Islands’ tuna has been exported for processing overseas, denying the country jobs, technology, tax revenue and other economic opportunities.
“The time has come to change that trajectory,” Wale said.
He said the government’s plan will be supported by the development of the Bina Harbour Industrial and Fisheries Project, which is expected to position Solomon Islands as a leading tuna processing nation in the Pacific.
Wale said the policy not only aims to increase exports but to also create skilled employment, strengthen supporting industries, expand local manufacturing and ensure more value from the fisheries sector remains in the domestic economy.
He said the same approach will also be applied to tourism, manufacturing, transport, aviation and the digital economy, with each sector expected to create more opportunities for Solomon Islanders to own businesses, develop skills and secure employment.
The Prime Minister said economic resilience depends on a diversified economy, with agriculture, fisheries, tourism, manufacturing, technology and small businesses all contributing to sustainable growth across the country.
Wale said the government’s ambition is to build an economy that rewards enterprise, encourages innovation, supports local industries and enables more indigenous Solomon Islanders to become business owners, investors, producers and exporters.
He added that long-term national progress should be measured not only by economic growth but by whether ordinary families experience greater opportunities, security and hope for the future while the country’s natural resources are managed sustainably….PACNEWS
FIJI – FISHERIES: FIJI GOVT PACNEWS BIZ: Wed15 Jul 2026
Major investments to strengthen Fiji’s fisheries sector
SUVA, 15 JULY 2026 (FIJI GOVT) —New investments will strengthen Fiji’s fisheries sector, improve sustainability, and create new economic opportunities for coastal communities.
Speaking during the 2026–2027 National Budget debate in Parliament Monday, Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Alitia Bainivalu announced a $5 million(US$2.5 million) Tuna Development Fund to boost Fiji’s competitiveness in the global tuna market and support the long-term viability of the country’s tuna industry.
The Ministry has also allocated $515,000(US$257,000) for Electronic Monitoring Systems to improve transparency, reduce illegal fishing, and strengthen compliance with international fisheries obligations.
An additional $80,000 (US$40,000) has been set aside for Offshore Exploratory Fishing Development to identify new fishing grounds, diversify offshore fisheries, and reduce pressure on existing fish stocks.
Minister Bainivalu said the Ministry will also continue supporting fishers through the Pathway to Market Project, which will strengthen fishers’ cooperatives and improve direct market access, while the Diversifying Coastal Fisheries Livelihoods Programme will promote seaweed farming, crab fattening, and artisanal fish processing to create alternative sources of income.
To further strengthen community-based fisheries management, the Government has allocated $50,000(US$25,000) for Fish Warden Operations to enhance enforcement, reduce illegal fishing, and support marine conservation efforts….PACNEWS
FIJI – FISHING RIGHTS: FIJI SUN PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 15 Jul 2026
Focus on extending iqoliqoli into Fiji’s EEZ instead of identity debates: Fiji President
SUVA, 15 JULY 2026 (FIJI SUN) —Fiji President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu says submissions to the Constitution Review Commission should focus on creating lasting economic opportunities for iTaukei communities instead of “disappointing discussions” about identity.
Addressing the Bose ni Yasana o Lau at the Great Council of Chiefs Complex in Suva Tuesday, Ratu Naiqama said extending iqoliqoli into Fiji’s EEZ could unlock billions of dollars in economic opportunities while providing indigenous communities with a sustainable source of income.
“We have not heard this being discussed by the Constitution Review Commission. Instead, we are hearing disappointing discussions about what we are and what we are not. Why don’t we propose extending our iqoliqoli to meet the country’s EEZ?”
He said expanding customary fishing rights to Fiji’s EEZ would provide a sustainable financing model for indigenous communities while reducing their reliance on Government funding.
Ratu Naiqama pointed to New Zealand’s Māori as an example, saying they had built significant wealth from customary fishing rights despite owning only a small proportion of land.
“The Māori own only about six per cent of the land, but much of their income comes from their iqoliqoli. We have the same resources, but we are restricted by the current law.”
He said Fiji’s vast ocean resources had the potential to generate long-term economic returns for indigenous communities.
The President said any future arrangement could include a revenue-sharing model between the Government and customary fishing rights owners, while existing institutions such as Pacific Fishing Company Pte Limited (PAFCO) could process the catch.
He also pointed to Tonga’s Ocean Management Act as an example of legislation that strengthened access to marine resources.
“While the Constitution Review Commission is underway, let us call for the extension of our iqoliqoli for the betterment of our people,” he said…..PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
International Criminal Court ‘a critical cog’ in global justice efforts
NEW YORK, 15 JULY 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE) —The United Nations upheld the critical role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday in the global fight to end impunity for grave crimes, amid calls for it to be abolished.
During his regular media briefing, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric was asked if the Secretary-General had anything to say regarding reports that U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio wants to “dismantle” the Court, which prosecutes individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression.
“While the ICC is an organisation that is separate from the Secretariat and the UN, it remains for us a critical cog in the international justice system,” said Dujarric.
“It is supported by a vast number of Member States, and it helps bring accountability for serious crimes,” he added.
The U.S is not a party to the Rome Statue, the 1998 treaty that established the ICC, which is located in The Hague in the Netherlands.
Rubio laid out his plans in an opinion piece published in The Wall Street Journal, underlining sovereignty and independence.
“America never agreed to a world tribunal that can override our own courts and the Constitution,” he wrote.
The U.S was “launching a diplomatic campaign with a simple message – sovereign States over globalism,” Secretary Rubio continued.
It comes in the wake of developments last year, when Washington imposed sanctions on nine ICC personnel – including judges, the prosecutor and deputy prosecutors – in connection with efforts to investigate alleged war crimes committed by U.S forces in Afghanistan and Israel in Gaza.
International law ‘under attack’
In the opinion piece, Rubio stressed that “independence is our birthright” and the U.S does not “intend to trade it for rule by a self-appointed priesthood of ‘international law.’”
Dujarric was asked if the Secretary-General accepts this characteriSation of the system the UN Charter is built on.
“International law, the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, were created by sovereign Member States,” he said.
“They have brought protection, they have brought relief to millions of people, and they are, as the Secretary-General has often said, under threat and under attack,” he said…..PACNEWS
