Japan, Australia pledge closer security and economic cooperation in the Pacific
JAPAN and Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening security, economic and regional cooperation, with a renewed focus
Australia
Australia pumps billions into defence bases
WHILE the billions of dollars Australia is spending on submarines, fighting vehicles, drones and jets receive plenty of attention,
Will PNG’s missing guns affect the elections?
EARLY in 2027, Papua New Guinea will go to the polls. How will these elections be affected by the large number of weapons in the
Australia and Papua New Guinea Business Councils Welcome Constructive Ministerial Dialogue on Investment and Economic Growth
The Business Council of Papua New Guinea (BCPNG) and Australia–Papua New Guinea Business Council (APNGBC) have welcomed the
Australia supports establishment of Renewable Energy Commissioner for the Pacific
A Pacific-led initiative to establish a Renewable Energy Commissioner (REC) for the Pacific has received support from Australia.
Australia backs Fiji’s maritime security
AUSTRALIA will provide Fiji with Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessels to strengthen maritime surveillance and help detect drug
Two years of the PEV: Success leads to processing slowdown
THE Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) is now in its third year. With June 2026 data now available, we can assess PEV success over its
Drug cartels target Australia from the West
AUSTRALIA’S drug supply debate has mostly looked east. Threats from across the Pacific have dominated headlines. Narco-subs –
The defence boon
AS China continues to show its intent to expand the Belt and Road Initiative, the United States and Australia have been forced to respond.
Australia launched new Pacific defence training hub
DEFENCE and security personnel across the Pacific can now access professional development and career planning through the new online Defence Training Hub – Pacific.
Australia commits $AUD312 million to Pacific maritime security
AUSTRALIA has pledged $AUD312 million over 10 years to Waqa Moana, a Pacific-designed security initiative aimed at tackling transnational organised crime and strengthening maritime security across the region.
Australia and Fiji deepen defence ties
AUSTRALIA and Fiji have reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Blue Pacific, with sovereignty, Pacific leadership and regional cooperation at the centre of their expanding defence
Australia’s Pacific amnesia
A DECADE ago, foreign correspondent Sean Dorney claimed that Australians are embarrassed to acknowledge their history of colonial
Mobility provisions in recent Australia–Pacific bilateral agreements
IN the wake of the 2026 Pacific leaders' meeting in Palau, it is timely to reflect on their endorsement in 2023 of the Pacific
‘Australia not doing enough’ – Vanuatu
VANUATU has delivered a blunt message to Australia, calling on the major fossil fuel producer to stop expanding fossil fuel production and urgently begin its transition away from fossil fuels as Pacific nations face
Learning the Pacific on its own terms
Australia is surrounded by the Pacific. Yet until now, there has been no place in Australia's senior secondary curriculum dedicated
Australia tables Ocean of Peace Alliance and Vuvale Union treaties with Fiji
AUSTRALIA and Fiji have tabled treaties to deepen military cooperation, integrate their economies and strengthen joint efforts against transnational crime, illicit drugs and regional insecurity, Australian Foreign
PACNEWS THREE 10 AUGUST 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Australia maintains $5.2b Aid Programme as Pacific takes priority2. PACIFIC — Missile test crosses multiple Pacific EEZs3. TONGA — Two by-elections to be held after Tonga
Australia outstrips China in Pacific aid
AUSTRALIA has overtaken China to become the Pacific’s dominant source of lending and infrastructure investment according to the 2026 Lowy Institute Pacific Aid Map.
Australia appoints New High Commissioner to Naoero
AUSTRALIA has appointed career diplomat Lisa White as its next high commissioner to Naoero (Nauru).
Pacific strengthens united climate agenda as COP31 countdown begins
PACIFIC climate ministers have reinforced a united regional agenda ahead of COP31, pledging to strengthen the region's negotiating influence as global geopolitical uncertainty threatens progress on climate
Australia considers joint sea patrols, Forum remains silent on China missile tests
AUSTRALIA has not ruled out increased joint patrols of the South China after what it has described as a "destabilising" missile test in the Pacific.
PTI Australia and DAFF webinar to help Pacific exporters navigate Australian market access
Pacific exporters seeking to expand into the Australian market will have the opportunity to gain practical guidance on
