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As of September 17, 2025, Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have signed a defence communique but postponed the formal signing of a landmark mutual defence treaty. The treaty, elevating their security ties to the level Australia holds with the US and New Zealand, awaits cabinet approvals in both countries. The pact integrates defence forces, allows military service across borders, and offers PNG nationals a pathway to Australian citizenship, amid efforts to counter China's growing Pacific influence.
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On October 10, 2025, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck offshore near Manay town in Davao Oriental, Philippines, at a shallow depth of 10 km. The quake caused damage to buildings, hospital evacuations, and two deaths. A tsunami warning was issued for six coastal provinces but later lifted after small waves were detected. The region is still recovering from a deadly 6.9 quake on September 30.
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Recent studies reveal that hunter-gatherers in Southeast Asia and southern China practiced large-scale mummification as early as 12,000 years ago. The bodies were smoke-dried in crouched positions, predating Egyptian mummies by thousands of years. The findings shed light on early mortuary practices and cultural connections across the region.
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Papua New Guinea and Australia announced a delay in signing a proposed security treaty, citing cabinet processes. The treaty, meant to formalize a mutual defense pact, was initially expected to be signed during PNG's independence anniversary but is now pending approval in both countries. The delay highlights regional security complexities amid Chinese influence concerns.
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On October 6, 2025, Australia and Papua New Guinea signed the Pukpuk Treaty, their first mutual defense pact in 70 years, elevating their relationship to a formal alliance. The treaty commits both nations to mutual defense, integrates their militaries, and allows PNG citizens to serve in the Australian Defence Force. The pact aims to strengthen regional security amid rising Chinese influence in the Pacific.
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China launches a two-month campaign targeting online negativity and social media influencers. Papua New Guinea considers age restrictions amid concerns over harmful content, while Indonesia explores biometric verification to curb abuse. Meanwhile, the EU debates stricter age limits and privacy protections for minors.
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Since late September 2025, the Philippines has experienced a series of powerful earthquakes, including a magnitude 7.4 quake near Davao Oriental on October 10 and a 6.9 tremor in Central Visayas on September 30. These events caused at least 87 deaths, thousands of injuries, widespread structural damage, and triggered tsunami alerts. Authorities continue rescue and damage assessments amid ongoing aftershocks.
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The Vatican canonized seven individuals, including a former Satanic priest turned Catholic saint, a Venezuelan doctor of the poor, and a Papua New Guinea martyr. The ceremony, attended by thousands, highlights themes of faith, charity, and perseverance amid global tensions and crises. The event marks a significant moment for the Catholic Church and Venezuelan national identity.
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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a new bilateral security treaty with Indonesia during President Prabowo's first state visit. The agreement commits both nations to regular security consultations and joint measures to address regional threats, building on previous accords and reflecting shared concerns over China's regional influence.
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On November 22, 2025, Australia and Turkey resolved a multi-year dispute over hosting the 2026 UN climate summit, COP31. Turkey will host the summit in Antalya, while Australia will preside over negotiations and lead pre-COP events focused on Pacific climate financing. The deal ends a deadlock that risked defaulting the summit to Germany and drew criticism from Pacific nations.