Pasifik Secure

China’s Hospital Ships Risk Pacific Health Sovereignty internationalaffairs.org.au/australianoutl… Medical assistance and defence objectives are closely intertwined, with free treatment serving to normalise a foreign military presence while advancing China’s geopolitical aims.

Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine wants more action on drugs rnz.co.nz/international/… The persistent and worsening drug problem is a major concern of President Heine, who said she is not satisfied with the level of action to stop the spread of illegal drugs in the country.

Solomons PM refuses to convene parliament amid political crisis rnz.co.nz/international/… Jeremiah Manele is not expected to convene parliament until May or June and maintains the government is continuing to function despite the political "crisis."

Papua New Guinea launches foreign policy blueprint amid rapid global change rnz.co.nz/international/… The country's "friends to all, enemies to none" mantra remains at the heart of the country's foreign policy.

NEW ARTICLE: Distant War, Pacific Reckoning linkedin.com/pulse/distant-… Rising fuel costs, disrupted trade, impossible diplomacy: the Iran war is hitting Pacific Island governments on every front.

NEW ARTICLE: Europe's Pacific Pretense linkedin.com/pulse/europes-… The EU talks a good game on countering China in the Pacific Islands. The numbers tell a different story.

French Polynesia urges Pacific to unite amid rising global tensions rnz.co.nz/international/… "When we see the turmoil in the world, it's a reminder to us, as all the Pacific Island nations, that our first and foremost vicinity is our region," President Moetai Brotherson.

After the compromise: Australia’s COP31 blueprint for the Pacific lowyinstitute.org/publications/a… Australia’s bid to co-host the COP with Pacific Island countries was built around a clear objective to deliver for one of the world’s most vulnerable regions. That objective is now at risk.

Not All Pacific Countries Fully Compliant With AML/CFT Standards Around Beneficial Ownership scoop.co.nz/stories/WO2602… Pacific nations are making progress meeting global anti-money laundering (AML)/countering financing of terrorism (CFT) standards but further reforms are needed.

Deep-sea mining: Australia’s dilemma in the Pacific lowyinstitute.org/the-interprete… As Pacific unity fractures on the controversial practice, Canberra’s inaction risks ceding ground to China.

Papua New Guinea offers cash for guns as amnesty opens to combat escalating tribal violence theguardian.com/world/2026/mar… Weapons amnesty and buyback scheme will run until August as PM James Marape says illegal guns ‘destroying families and villages’

Sea Levels Are Already Higher Than Many Scientists Think, New Study Shows nytimes.com/2026/03/04/cli… A majority of studies on coastal sea levels underestimate how high water levels are and countless people — particularly in Pacific nations — closer to peril than previously thought.

French Senate votes on New Caledonia’s future status rnz.co.nz/international/… The vote comes almost two years after unrest and riots broke out in May 2024, leaving 14 dead and over €2b in material damage, as well as hundreds of businesses looted and destroyed.

U.S. funds Fiji’s fight against maritime crime islandsbusiness.com/news-break/us-… Fiji will intensify its crackdown on maritime crime with a $USD500,000 boost from the United States, targeting illegal fishing and transnational threats across Pacific waters.

Japan Seeks to Counter China’s Expanding Influence in Pacific by Strengthening Ties with Island Nations japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/defen… Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi outlines Japan’s intentions at the 3rd Japan Pacific Islands Defense Dialogue.

U.S. Deputy Secretary Landau signs enhanced maritime security pact in Tonga matangitonga.to/2026/02/27/us-… The U.S. and Tonga signed an enhanced maritime security agreement today, during a visit by Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.

Absent at the AI Summit, the Pacific risks becoming a digital afterthought linkedin.com/pulse/absent-a… The Pacific stands at a crossroads. AI offers both emancipation and marginalization. The outcome will depend on choices made now.

U.S. reaffirms long-term commitment to Pacific partnerships dailypost.vu/news/u-s-reaff… Christopher Landau, Deputy Secretary of State, reaffirmed a long-term commitment to building strong economic and security partnerships with Pacific Island countries

Why Pacific Islands are rapidly de-flagging Russia's fleet of 'shadow tankers' abc.net.au/news/2026-02-2… Observers say Pacific Island countries make relatively little revenue from their registries, and are realizing that flagging shadow vessels comes at a cost.

Japan to Host 3rd Pacific Islands Defense Meeting from Sunday through Tuesday japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/defen… The conference is expected to see a record 28 participating nations, expanding for the first time to include seven member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.