Singapore minister floats Pacific power grid linked to Australia
SINGAPORE’S Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has floated the idea of a Pacific power grid linked to Australia, saying it could strengthen energy security, lower electricity costs and give small island
US and PNG police begin first joint digital forensics course
THE United States and Papua New Guinea launched their first joint digital forensics training course for the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) on August 31, a step aimed at building the Pacific nation's
PACNEWS ONE, Thursday 3 September 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PNG — Armed thieves steal gold and cash during Port Moresby hold-up in one of PNG’s biggest robberies 2. PACIFIC — Green Climate Fund cuts climate funding approval time to nine
Civil society wants consultation on JHoPS and Forum security networks
AS Pacific Islands Forum leaders prepare for their annual retreat at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, civil society groups have called for a pause on moves to transform the region’s security
PACNEWS TWO, 02 SEPTEMBER 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Political will needed to break intelligence-sharing barriers: Pacific Leaders told2. PACIFIC — China’s missile test ‘not the act of a friend’: Aust PM Albanese3. PACIFIC
PACNEWS THREE, 01 SEPTEMBER 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — ‘Organised crime is a business’: Pacific Fusion Centre Chief calls for attack on criminal profits 2. PACIFIC — Protect Tuna or lose billions: FFA DG Pakop3. PACIFIC —
Pacific leaders confront widening regional pressures in Palau
SHIFTING geopolitics, economic uncertainty and transnational threats will frame discussions when Pacific leaders meet here in Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders
Forum faces packed agenda and partner pressure in Palau
OVER the weekend, Pacific leaders started to arrive in Koror, Republic of Palau, for the 55th Pacific Islands
Customs Matters: Navigating Change, Enabling Trade, Securing the Future
Ask most people what a Customs officer does, and the answer usually comes from personal experience: a passport stamped at the
PACNEWS THREE, Thursday 27 August 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PNG — PNG parliament to consider Bougainville region’s bid for independence2. SOL — Wale visits fisheries surveillance centre ahead of regional talks3. SAMOA — Peseta Noumea
Wale visits fisheries surveillance centre ahead of regional talks
SOLOMON Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale visited the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency’s Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre on Wednesday ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting, touring the
PACNEWS TWO, Wednesday 26 August 2026
In this bulletin: 1. FIJI — Fiji says COP31 must put ocean at centre of climate action2. FIJI — Tourism industry ready to host pre-COP 31 summit: Minister Gavoka3. PALAU — Palau expects more than 2,000
PACNEWS ONE, 25 AUGUST 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Fears unregulated mining could imperil Pacific nations2. PACIFIC — Russia’s missile tests around disputed islands anger Japan3. PACIFIC — Pacific nations detain
When silence is a Pacific response
NUCLEAR capable Chinese ballistic missile, launched from a nuclear-powered submarine in July, arced over several Pacific nations and landed without warning in waters close to Tuvalu’s exclusive economic
Fiji and Japan deepen cooperation on maritime and energy security
FIJI and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to stronger bilateral cooperation, with maritime security, energy resilience and public health among the key areas discussed during a high-level meeting in
PACNEWS THREE, 21 AUGUST 2026
In this bulletin: 1. FIJI — Fiji’s Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill fails to restore Qoliqoli ownership: Rewa Chief2. PACIFIC — China ‘likely’ ran targeted campaign to align Pacific with its latest
PACNEWS ONE, 21 AUGUST 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Pacific must stand united as One Blue Pacific Continent: Forum Chair Wale2. NAOERO — President Adeang backs Winston Peters economy comments as Naoero’s economic progress
Kiwi ready to face the dragon
NEW Zealand had long been considered the weakest link in Five Eyes and the easiest for China to try to cow. But New Zealand has now called out China by name in its intelligence warnings so often that officials joke it
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
Taiwan – Friend to all
THE Pacific has recently found itself on the front line of several global battles including climate change and the geopolitical struggle for
Planned deployment of offensive missiles to Guam raises concerns
FOR too long, Guam has been described as the tip of the
PACNEWS ONE, 18 AUGUST 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Key Pacific leader pushes for ‘united front’ against China’s missile tests2. PACIFIC — Former Forum SG Taylor calls for Pacific leadership grounded in culture and
