Public interests and sovereignty shape the Pacific region’s evolving security and diplomacy.
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 signed a new defence alliance, Elevating ties to a formal treaty and signaling a broader push to curb China’s influence in the Pacific. The Ocean of Peace Alliance opens the door to more members, with PNG and Tonga cited as potential joins. The Vuvale Union also expands visa access and ongoing security cooperation.
Kelsey Pfendler has completed a solo row from California to Hawaii, finishing in under 44 days and setting records as the first American woman, youngest woman and fastest to complete the journey unassisted. Supporters greeted her upon arrival in Honolulu after a 2,400+ mile transit, with extensive social-media documentation of the voyage.
China has test‑launched a long‑range ballistic missile from a nuclear submarine into the South Pacific at 12:01pm Beijing time on Monday, carrying a dummy warhead, Xinhua has reported. Beijing has said the launch was routine annual training and notified relevant countries; Australia, New Zealand and Japan have voiced concern and called the test destabilising.