AGP Executive Report

Nuclear Security in the Pacific: China fired a nuclear-capable submarine-launched ballistic missile into the South Pacific on July 6, landing near the EEZs of Kiribati or Tuvalu, prompting condemnation from Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States over transparency and destabilisation. Local Food Systems: In Abaiang, Kiribati knowledge broker Mr Terereniti Tiiman is boosting climate-resilient, water-efficient gardening—growing food closer to homes and cutting groundwater pressure—while helping households earn from surplus produce. Fisheries Compliance: Pacific tuna observers are being used to tackle unreported fishing by monitoring catch and licence compliance, though the work is widely seen as dangerous and often conflicts with commercial interests. Infrastructure & Energy Partnership: Fiji and Kiribati agreed to strengthen cooperation on resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, water security and maritime transport, including sustainable construction and EV transition. Mining Governance in Kiribati: Banaba’s Rabi Council says it is moving ahead with a feasibility study with Kiribati and Nauru, after dropping work with Australia’s Centrex. Regional Weather Risk: El Niño is underway and forecasts point to potentially extreme conditions, raising concerns for storm intensity and impacts across the Pacific.

Nuclear Security in the Pacific: China test-fired a nuclear-capable submarine-launched ballistic missile into the South Pacific on July 6, with the dummy warhead landing near the EEZ of Kiribati or Tuvalu, prompting swift condemnation from Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States over transparency and destabilisation. Local Food Resilience: In Abaiang, Kiribati knowledge broker Mr Terereniti Tiiman is helping households boost harvests using water-efficient gardening—growing closer to homes and cutting groundwater pressure—while surplus produce supports small income. Fisheries Compliance at Sea: Pacific tuna observers are being used not just for science but also to check licence compliance, as officials warn unreported fishing remains a major sustainability risk. Energy Finance Watch: The International Solar Alliance is struggling to mobilise funds beyond small pilots, with critics saying it underplays solar manufacturing and sustained impact. Climate Risk Alert: El Niño is underway and forecasts point to very strong warming in the central Pacific, raising the odds of more intense storms across the region. Infrastructure Partnership: Fiji and Kiribati are strengthening cooperation on resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, water security and maritime transport. Banaba Mining Update: Rabi leaders say Banaba resource extraction plans have shifted away from Centrex Limited toward a feasibility study with Kiribati and Nauru.

Pacific Security: China’s rare submarine-launched ballistic missile test in the South Pacific has triggered fast condemnation from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the US and others, with reports saying the missile landed near the EEZ of Kiribati or Tuvalu and critics say it undermines the spirit of the Treaty of Rarotonga’s nuclear-free zone. Fisheries & Compliance: Pacific tuna officials highlight how hard it is to track catch and stop unreported fishing, pointing to observer programs on purse seine vessels as both a compliance tool and a high-risk job at sea. Energy Finance: The International Solar Alliance is struggling to mobilise more than about $20m since 2015, with critics saying it focuses on project catalysing while not tackling solar manufacturing. Climate Risk for Islands: El Niño is underway and forecasts suggest it could become one of the strongest on record, raising alarms for extreme weather across the wider Pacific. Infrastructure Partnership: Fiji and Kiribati are strengthening cooperation on resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, water security and maritime transport, including sustainable construction and emissions cuts. Local Industry & Skills: Kiribati stories also surface through education and training links abroad, including Kiribati Language Week and automotive engineering pathways.

Pacific Security: China has test-launched a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear submarine into the Pacific, with the simulated warhead landing near the EEZ of Kiribati or Tuvalu, prompting sharp condemnation from Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States over transparency and destabilisation. Fisheries Compliance: Pacific tuna officials say the hardest part of stopping overfishing is monitoring catch and enforcing licences, with observers increasingly used not just for science but also for compliance checks on purse seine vessels. El Niño Watch: Forecasts point to a potentially very strong El Niño, with record-warm central Pacific waters and rising odds of major impacts across the region, pushing communities to read storms and rainfall shifts closely. Infrastructure & Energy Links: Fiji and Kiribati are strengthening cooperation on resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, water security and maritime transport, including work on sustainable construction and cleaner transport options. Banaba Mining Update: The Rabi Council of Leaders says Banaba resource extraction plans have moved to a new phase, dropping Centrex Limited and pursuing a feasibility study with Kiribati and Nauru.

Pacific Security & Defence: China’s first submarine-launched long-range ballistic missile test since 2024 has landed near the EEZ of Kiribati or Tuvalu, drawing condemnation from Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the US, while Beijing calls it routine annual training with advance notice. Regional Infrastructure & Energy: Fiji and Kiribati are strengthening cooperation on resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, water security and maritime transport, including work on sustainable construction and modernising shipping to cut emissions. Fisheries & Jobs at Sea: Pacific tuna sustainability hinges on tackling unreported fishing; observer coverage on purse seiners is being used not just for science but also compliance, with observer roles described as risky and sometimes in conflict with crew interests. Banaba Mining Update: Rabi’s Council of Leaders says Banaba resource extraction plans have shifted away from Australian company Centrex toward a feasibility study led with Kiribati and Nauru, after community consultations. Climate Risk for Industry: El Niño forecasts point to record-warm central Pacific sea temperatures, with potential knock-on impacts for weather and planning across the region.

Nuclear Security Shock: China test-fired a nuclear-capable long-range ballistic missile from a submarine into the Pacific, with the simulated warhead landing near the EEZ of Kiribati or Tuvalu; Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States condemned it as destabilising and lacking transparency, while Beijing called it routine annual training and said it was notified in advance. Fisheries Compliance at Sea: Pacific tuna sustainability concerns are tied to unreported fishing, with observers increasingly used not just for science but also for compliance on purse seine vessels; the report highlights observer training and the risks faced by fisheries monitors. Local Industry & Infrastructure: Fiji and Kiribati agreed to deepen cooperation on resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, water security and maritime transport, including sustainable construction and modernising the maritime sector. Banaba Mining Update: Banaba’s Rabi Council of Leaders says it has moved beyond Australian company Centrex Limited and is now working with Kiribati and Nauru governments on a feasibility study for resource extraction. Skills & Work Pathways: A Kiribati student in New Zealand is building a future through an automotive engineering programme, reflecting growing interest in practical training and career links for I-Kiribati youth.

Pacific Security Shock: China test-fired a nuclear-capable long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear submarine into the Pacific, with the dummy warhead landing near the EEZs of Kiribati or Tuvalu; Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the US condemned it as destabilising and lacking transparency, while Beijing called it routine annual training and said it notified countries in advance. Fisheries Watch: A Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency update highlights unreported fishing as a major threat to tuna sustainability, pushing for stronger observer coverage on purse seine vessels and training observers to act like “policemen at sea” for both data and compliance. Banaba Mining Shift: Banaba’s Rabi Council of Leaders says its resource extraction plans have moved on from Australian firm Centrex, now pursuing a feasibility study with Kiribati and Nauru, after community consultations on Rabi. Infrastructure & Energy Links: Fiji and Kiribati agreed to deepen cooperation on resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, water security and maritime transport, including sustainable construction and emissions-reducing maritime modernisation. Regional Industry Signals: Fiji’s private sector urged more investment in mining and clearer accountability for excise tax revenue, while also flagging skills shortages and ease-of-business concerns.

Pacific Security Shock: China fired a nuclear-capable submarine-launched ballistic missile into the South Pacific, with regional allies including Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States condemning it as destabilising and lacking transparency; China says it was routine annual training and notified countries in advance, with analysts noting the missile landed near the EEZ of Kiribati or Tuvalu. Banaba Resources: Banaba’s Rabi Council of Leaders says its mining plans have shifted away from Australian firm Centrex, now pursuing a feasibility study with Kiribati and Nauru governments, after concerns raised over court filings and the Banaban Trust Fund. Infrastructure & Energy Links: Fiji and Kiribati are strengthening cooperation on resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, water security and maritime transport, including sustainable construction and modernising the maritime sector. Fisheries Work at Sea: A former fisheries observer, Jude Piruku, describes the risks and conflicts of monitoring tuna purse seine and longline catches under licensing rules. Regional Industry Watch: Fiji’s business leaders push for more mining investment and demand clearer accountability on excise tax revenue, while Pacific fisheries ministers wrap up key forum work in Wellington.

Pacific Security Shock: China fired a nuclear-capable submarine-launched ballistic missile into the Pacific, with analysts saying it landed near the EEZ of Kiribati or Tuvalu; Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States condemned it as destabilising and lacking transparency, while Beijing called it routine annual training and said it notified countries in advance. Regional Infrastructure & Energy: Fiji and Kiribati agreed to deepen cooperation on resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, water security and maritime transport after talks between their infrastructure ministers, including work on sustainable construction and modernising the maritime sector. Mining & Resources Governance: Banaba’s Rabi Council says it has moved beyond Australian firm Centrex Limited, now pursuing a feasibility study with Kiribati and Nauru governments, as phosphate extraction plans face renewed scrutiny. Fisheries & Maritime Economy: Pacific fisheries ministers wrapped up the 25th Forum Fisheries Committee meeting in Wellington, with Kiribati among participants pushing regional cooperation on the future of fisheries. Tourism Skills for Data-Driven Planning: A Kiribati team joined a SPTO workshop in Nadi to boost tourism research and statistics skills, supporting better survey use and evidence-based tourism decisions. Business & Tax Signals (Fiji): Fiji private sector urged more mining investment and clearer accountability for excise tax revenue, while highlighting skills shortages and ease-of-doing-business concerns.

Pacific Security Shock: China fired a nuclear-capable submarine-launched ballistic missile into the Pacific, with the simulated warhead landing near the EEZ of Kiribati or Tuvalu, drawing fast condemnation from Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States over transparency and destabilising risk. Regional Diplomacy: The launch landed hours after Australia and Fiji signed a defence alliance, while Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese said the matter was raised directly with Beijing. Seabed Stakes: A new analysis warns the Pacific seabed is becoming a crowded, contested space where mining, cables, military activity and other uses collide—raising friction and risk for island states. Infrastructure & Energy Cooperation: Fiji and Kiribati agreed to deepen cooperation on resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, water security and maritime transport after ministerial talks in Suva. Pacific Fisheries Governance: Ministers wrapped up the 25th Forum Fisheries Committee meeting in Wellington, setting priorities for regional fisheries cooperation. Digital Connectivity: NEC will supply equipment for the I-2SEA submarine cable linking India’s AI hubs with Singapore, entering service in 2029. Skills & Industry Pathways: A Kiribati student in New Zealand highlighted how automotive engineering training is helping build local career opportunities.

Pacific Security Shock: China fired a rare submarine-launched long-range ballistic missile into the Pacific, with analysts saying it landed near the EEZ of Kiribati or Tuvalu; Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the US condemned it as destabilising and lacking transparency, while China called it routine training and said it notified countries in advance. Infrastructure & Energy Cooperation: Fiji and Kiribati agreed to deepen cooperation on resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, water security and cleaner maritime transport after talks between their public works and infrastructure ministers. Banaba Mining Shift: Rabi leaders say Banaba resource extraction plans have moved on from Australian firm Centrex, with feasibility work now to be pursued with Kiribati and Nauru. Fisheries Governance: Pacific fisheries ministers wrapped up the Forum Fisheries Committee ministerial meeting in Wellington, setting priorities for regional cooperation and leadership for the next chair period. Trade & Fuel Measurement: Australia’s National Measurement Institute donated fuel measurement trolleys to Kiribati and other Pacific states via the Pacific Islands Forum to help regulators verify pump accuracy and protect fair trade. Tourism Data Skills: A SPTO workshop in Nadi trained tourism officers from Kiribati and others to use survey data for better planning, as New Zealand’s Pacific Tourism Data Initiative winds down. Digital Connectivity: NEC will supply the I-2SEA submarine cable linking India, Malaysia and Singapore, boosting high-capacity routes for cloud and AI services.

Infrastructure Partnership: Fiji and Kiribati ministers agreed to deepen cooperation on resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, water security and cleaner maritime transport after talks in Suva. Pacific Security Shock: China’s rare submarine-launched ballistic missile test into the Pacific drew condemnation from Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the US, with analysts warning the move could raise regional risk and reduce transparency. Banaba Mining Shift: Rabi leaders say Banaba resource-extraction plans have moved on from Australian firm Centrex, moving instead toward a feasibility study with Kiribati and Nauru. Fisheries Governance: The 25th Forum Fisheries Committee ministerial meeting wrapped up in Wellington, setting priorities for regional fisheries cooperation with Kiribati among participating states. Tourism Data Skills: SPTO’s Pacific Tourism Data Initiative workshop in Nadi trained tourism officers from Kiribati and other islands to use survey data for better planning. Fuel Measurement for Trade: Australia’s National Measurement Institute donated fuel pump testing equipment to Kiribati and five other Pacific nations to improve fair fuel transactions and protect revenue. Digital Infrastructure: NEC will supply the I-2SEA submarine cable linking India and Southeast Asia, scheduled to enter service in 2029.

Banaba Mining Shift: Rabi Council of Leaders says Banaba resource extraction is moving ahead without Australia’s Centrex Ltd, now pursuing a feasibility study with Kiribati and Nauru via RONPHOS after consultations on Rabi. Pacific Security Tensions: Australia and Pacific leaders condemned China’s rare submarine-launched ICBM test over/near Kiribati and Tuvalu’s EEZs, calling it provocative and destabilising as regional defence talks intensify. Pacific Infrastructure & Trade: NEC will supply the I-2SEA submarine cable linking India’s AI hubs (Hyderabad/Chennai) to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, targeting service in 2029. Fisheries Governance: Forum Fisheries Committee ministerial talks in Wellington wrapped up with priorities for regional cooperation and fisheries management, with Kiribati among participating states. Fuel Measurement for Fair Commerce: Australia’s National Measurement Institute donated fuel measurement “trolleys” to Kiribati and other Pacific nations to help verify pump accuracy and protect consumers and revenue. Tourism Data Skills: SPTO’s Pacific Tourism Data Initiative workshop in Nadi trained tourism officers from Kiribati and others to use survey data for better planning and decision-making.

Banaba Mining Update: Rabi Island leaders say Banaba resource extraction plans have moved on, dropping Australia’s Centrex Ltd and instead working with Kiribati and Nauru on a feasibility study, after community consultations and questions over the Banaban Trust Fund. Pacific Security Tension: Australia and Pacific leaders condemned China’s rare submarine-launched ICBM test, with the missile reportedly passing near Kiribati and Tuvalu’s EEZs, just as Australia and Fiji signed a defence deal—raising fresh concerns for regional stability. Pacific Infrastructure & Trade: NEC will supply the I-2SEA submarine fibre cable linking India’s AI hubs (Hyderabad/Chennai) to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, targeting service in 2029. Fuel Measurement for Fair Commerce: Australia’s National Measurement Institute donated fuel trolleys to Kiribati and other Pacific states to help verify pump accuracy at service stations, supporting trusted trade and revenue protection. Fisheries Governance: The 25th Forum Fisheries Committee ministerial meeting wrapped up in Wellington, setting priorities for cooperation on the region’s fisheries.

Pacific Security Under Pressure: A Chinese nuclear-capable submarine-launched ballistic missile test landed near Kiribati/Tuvalu waters, drawing sharp condemnation from Australia, New Zealand, the US and others over transparency and escalation risks. Seabed Crowding, New Risks: Analysts warn the Pacific seabed is becoming a shared, contested space where mining, cables, military activity and criminal exploitation collide—creating friction that existing rules struggle to manage. Trade & Energy Resilience: UNCTAD says the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz will ease global shipping, but poorer economies still face slower, costlier recovery in freight and energy. Pacific Industry Support: Australia’s National Measurement Institute donated fuel measurement trolleys to Kiribati and other Pacific states to help regulators verify pump accuracy and protect fair trade. Fisheries Governance: The 25th Forum Fisheries Committee ministerial meeting wrapped up in Wellington, setting priorities for regional cooperation on fisheries management. Tourism Data Skills: SPTO’s workshop in Nadi trained Kiribati and other officers to use survey and analytics tools for evidence-based tourism planning.

Pacific Security & Missiles: China launched a nuclear-capable ballistic missile into South Pacific waters near the EEZs of Kiribati and Tuvalu, drawing sharp criticism from Australia and raising fresh concerns about regional readiness as defence ties tighten. Regional Governance & Fisheries: Pacific fisheries ministers wrapped the 25th Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial Meeting in Wellington, with Kiribati among participants backing cooperation and next leadership for 2026–27. Tourism Data Skills: The Pacific Tourism Organisation finished a five-day workshop in Nadi for tourism research and statistics officers from nine Pacific countries, including Kiribati, boosting skills in data analysis for evidence-based planning. Fuel Measurement for Fair Trade: Australia’s National Measurement Institute donated fuel measurement trolleys to Kiribati and five other Pacific nations via the Pacific Islands Forum to help regulators verify pump accuracy and protect consumers and revenue. Tokelau Administration: New Zealand appointed Andre van der Walt as the next Administrator of Tokelau, with a focus on services, governance, climate resilience, and renewable energy. Dispute Watch—Banaba Mining: Fiji court filings highlight a renewed fight over Banaba resource extraction, with community groups and the Rabi Administration questioning whether mining plans and trust-fund audits are being properly handled. Disaster Logistics Training: SPC and WFP trained disaster logistics and warehouse officers from Kiribati and other Pacific states in warehouse operations and first aid to speed relief delivery when disasters hit.