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,
Defence
PACNEWS THREE, 27 OCTOBER 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — SPC must stay accountable to members as it approaches 80th anniversary2. PACIFIC — Tonga urges SPC members to ensure decisions deliver for Pacific people3. FIJI — Fiji
PACNEWS TWO 26 OCTOBER 2026
In this bulletin: 1. AUST — Australia, PNG move to implement landmark defence alliance2. PACIFIC — Japan, Micronesia reaffirm Pacific unity ahead of PALM 113. PACIFIC — Expert: Micronesia ‘on the
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.
Fiji calls for united Pacific response to emerging security threats
FIJI has called for deeper regional integration and stronger defence cooperation as Pacific leaders confront an increasingly complex
Fiji pushes defence role in crime fight
FIJI is pushing for greater use of defence capabilities to support law enforcement agencies as transnational organised crime becomes
Seoul’s defence pivot to Europe
SOUTH Korean President Lee Jae-myung has just returned from France, where his state visit produced a series of agreements across
RNZAF aircrew join major multinational maritime exercise
A ROYAL New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) P-8A Poseidon aircraft and crew are taking part in a multinational warfare exercise around
An Australian gift of guns to PNG must not end up in the wrong hands
IN March, Papua New Guinea’s Chief of Defence, Rear Admiral Philip Polewara, issued a warning about PNG’s inability to secure its armoury and keep its guns and ammunition safe from being used by the civilian
Planned deployment of offensive missiles to Guam raises concerns
FOR too long, Guam has been described as the tip of the
PACNEWS TWO, 17 AUGUST 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PNG — Papua New Guineans to start serving in Australian defence force2. PALAU — PIF 2026: Palau prepares for a Pacific meeting shaped by regional divisions3. VAN — Former Vanuatu
New Zealand and PNG sign defence pact to boost military ties
NEW Zealand and Papua New Guinea have signed a new defence cooperation agreement aimed at deepening military ties, including more dialogue, training, exercises and personnel exchanges.
PACNEWS ONE, 23 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. NAURU — Naoero moves to establish Embassy in Israel, deploys scoping mission2. AUST — Pacific minister says government won’t ‘dictate’ to PIF on China missile statement3.
Australia launches five-week hydrographic mission in PNG
AUSTRALIA will deploy its hydrographic survey ship, HMAS Leeuwin, to Papua New Guinea for a five-week mission to improve navigation safety and strengthen maritime cooperation.
PACNEWS TWO, 13 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Pacific Civil Society condemns China ICBM test, urges leaders to reject all military build-up2. AUST — China officials warned over ‘provocative’ missile test3.
PACNEWS ONE, Friday 10 July 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — China’s ballistic missile launch was a message for the U.S2. PACIFIC — NZ to discuss joining Fiji-Australia alliance3. FIJI — Fiji military urged to review pregnancy
Australia, PNG unveil first mutual defence treaty in more than 70 years
AUSTRALIA and Papua New Guinea have formalised a landmark mutual defence treaty, a move the two governments cast as a major upgrade in security ties and a new phase in the relationships between the Pacific neighbours.
Will Australia’s diplomatic streak last?
LAST week , Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu’s Jotham Napat, signed the Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, a security pact that, among other things, bars foreign military bases from Vanuatu’s
PACNEWS THREE 08 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. AUST — Aust PM to host series of Pacific leaders’ meetings in Queensland2. PACIFIC — CROP heads discuss 2050 strategy, energy crisis and COP31 preparations3. FIJI — Fiji’s
US-led Exercise Valiant Shield showcases allied strength across the Pacific
A MAJOR military exercise is unfolding across the Northern Pacific as the United States and its allies flex their muscles in a show
Australian navy to survey Tuvalu lagoon
TWO Australian minesweepers have been deployed to Tuvalu to determine the extent of explosives from World War II in Nanumea
Fijian Drua wins first away game in Canberra
DESPITE the cold in Canberra, the Fijian Drua played like men possessed against the ACT Brumbies to earn their first win
