Fiji is seeking to be at the forefront of a cohesive and collaborative Pacific-led security solution, and partners will be most valued when they support that vision. The trajectory of its security force shifted dramatically …
Articles by: "Astrid Young"
The Pacific faces a rapidly evolving security environment. Foreign partners increasingly compete for comprehensive partnerships, engagements, coordination and influence. Security risks are also evolving, with a greater emphasis on climate- and disaster-driven security threats, and …
Sea state Defence Minister Richard Marles visited the Maldives in early June and announced a present of one Guardian-class patrol boat and hydrographic equipment. They are expected to be delivered in 2026. Australia has an …
‘Australia is secure when Papua New Guinea is secure, and Papua New Guinea is secure when Australia is secure,’ said Billy Joseph, PNG’s Minister for Defence. It was an important reminder of the closeness of …
China’s first in-person meeting with Pacific island foreign ministers demonstrated Beijing’s willingness to talk the talk with little substance to back it up. But in a time of regional uncertainty, Pacific leaders showed they were …
Planet A Severe drought is affecting large areas of South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia, with some regions receiving near-record low levels of rainfall. Agricultural producers are incurring substantial financial costs to purchase feed …
Sea state The Australian government donated drones and operator training worth just under $1 million to the Philippine coast guard in early May. The gift of 20 aerial drones and training by drone operators from …
Australia’s young people are being radicalised to violence more frequently, more quickly, and for increasingly complicated reasons—including the spread of misogynistic ideology. It’s time we better understand the relationship between misogyny and violent extremism, and …
It’s been a year since massive riots shook New Caledonia, but progress towards a long-term agreement on the territory’s status has been slow. Last week, intense closed-door talks failed to reach concensus. The discussions centred …
Planet A China has secured a five-year agreement with Cook Islands to explore seabed minerals. The deal, signed alongside broader economic cooperation agreements, consolidates China’s growing presence in Pacific island countries. It follows recent Chinese …
Sea state An Australian contingent participated in Exercise Bersama Shield on 17-22 April, joining with forces from Britain, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore in a simulated defence operation around the Malay Peninsula. The exercise focused …
USAID cuts and tariffs will harm the United States’ reputation in the Pacific more than they will harm the region itself. The resilient region will adjust to the economic challenges and other partners will fill …