Kingdom of Tonga in Polynesia; 171 islands, 45 inhabited. Policy, politics, and Pacific role.
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.
England’s netballers have been defeated by Australia in the semi-finals, leaving them to contest bronze at the Commonwealth Games. New Zealand and Jamaica advance to the gold final after beating England’s hopes. The team faces a tough schedule ahead as injuries and coaching changes weigh on preparation.
England's netball team has been defeated in the semi-finals, ending their bid for gold at the Commonwealth Games. They will contest bronze as New Zealand advances to the final. Several injuries and coaching changes shaped the campaign, with New Zealand dominating the semi-final.
Tuvaluan boxer Tarona Taafaki has secured a Commonwealth bronze after a semi-final bye and a loss to Lovlina Borgohain. The coach says the medal highlights Tuvalu on the world stage and the climate emergency threatening the island nation, where training has often taken place on an airport runway.
The UN Security Council has conducted a straw poll for the next secretary-general, with Rodrigues-Birkett leading the field, followed by Grynspan and Grossi. Several other contenders remain, and a formal vote in the General Assembly will determine the outcome. The process involves nine votes in the Council and potential vetoes by the five permanent members.
England's rugby union head coach Steve Borthwick has had his contract extended past the 2028 Six Nations to provide certainty ahead of next year’s World Cup in Australia. The RFU says the move will allow time to decide leadership beyond the tournament while backing the team if they perform well in Australia.