Solomon Islands politician and current prime minister (since 2026)
China has test‑launched a long‑range ballistic missile from a nuclear submarine into the South Pacific carrying a dummy warhead. Beijing has said the launch was routine and that relevant countries were notified; Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Pacific states have condemned the test as destabilising and said notice was insufficient.
Solomon Islands’ new prime minister has said a 2022 security pact with China is under review, after he was provided with a copy and indicated some officials have been moved. Australia and the Solomon Islands are negotiating a broader strategic treaty to elevate their bilateral security and economic ties.
Australia and Fiji have formalised new defence arrangements aimed at countering China’s influence in the Pacific. The Ocean of Peace Alliance and the Vuvale Union strengthen regional security commitments, with Australia pledging over a billion dollars in funding over the next decade to support security, development, and regional stability.