AGP Executive Report

Pacific Security: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July 6 nuclear-capable missile test into the Pacific, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters saying two members blocked a clear response and accusing “outsiders” of influencing the process; Papua New Guinea’s Justin Tkatchenko called the test “totally inappropriate,” while Beijing said it was safe and urged countries not to “over-interpret.” Taiwan at Palau Summit: China warned the Forum’s secretary-general after he confirmed Taiwan will attend the leaders’ meeting in Palau (Aug 30–Sept 4), despite Beijing’s push for the “one-China principle” and the fact that Nauru, Kiribati and Solomon Islands switched ties from Taipei to Beijing in recent years. Digital Connectivity: Australia says every PIF member is now connected to undersea cable networks, including Tarawa in Kiribati, after delivering 10,300+ km of new cable links. Climate Pressure: El Niño is already stressing water and food supplies, with Fiji warning of possible “drastic measures” and Port Moresby preparing for water disruptions. Tuna Governance: PNA opened applications for a new CEO to lead its tuna fisheries and ocean resource management office.

PIF Missile Rift: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July nuclear-capable missile test, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters accusing “outsiders” of influencing holdouts—reported as Kiribati and Naoero (formerly Nauru)—as the consensus process stalled ahead of leaders’ talks in Palau. Digital Connectivity Boost: Australia says all 18 Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to undersea telecom cables, including new links reaching Tarawa in Kiribati, aiming to strengthen services and economic participation. Fisheries Leadership: PNA has opened applications for a new CEO to lead the Tuna Fisheries office, focusing on sustainable tuna management, governance, and commercial performance for member states. Climate Shipping Rules: Tuvalu is pushing stricter net-zero amendments at MEPC 85, proposing tighter fuel-emissions targets and higher compliance costs. Mediation Hub: Hong Kong’s IOMed says it’s ready to handle state-to-state disputes, with mediators nominated from countries including Kiribati. Tourism Push: The Treasures of the South Pacific roadshow highlights “Hidden Treasures” destinations, including Kiribati and Naoero, to grow travel trade links.

Pacific Unity Under Strain: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July ballistic missile test, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters saying Kiribati and Naoero (formerly Nauru) effectively blocked consensus and accusing “outsiders” of influence. Regional Connectivity Boost: Australia says every PIF member is now connected to undersea telecommunications cables for the first time, with 10,300km of new links delivered across nine countries including Tarawa in Kiribati. Taiwan’s Return to the Table: Taiwan will attend the Pacific leaders meeting in Palau after being barred last year, with PIF officials saying Taipei remains an important development partner despite China’s objections. Culture on Display: Twenty-four Moana Oceania island nations will open a landmark Indigenous-led exhibition, “Our Ocean of Islands,” in New Zealand on 15 August, including Kiribati works exploring the cultural significance of sharks. Kiribati in the Spotlight: A Kiribati boxing star, “Kiribati King” Ianuali Orme, was honoured at the Commonwealth Games with a traditional woven mat tied to a historic Onotoa ceremony.

Undersea Connectivity Milestone: Australia says every Pacific Islands Forum member is now linked to global undersea telecom cables, with 10,300km of new lines delivered across nine countries including Tarawa in Kiribati—aimed at cheaper, faster services and stronger regional resilience. PIF Security Rift Over China Missile: Foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July ballistic missile test, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters saying two members (reported as Kiribati and Naoero/Nauru) blocked consensus and were “appeasing outsiders,” leaving the issue for leaders in Palau later this month. Taiwan Back in the Room: The PIF says Taiwan will attend the Palau leaders meeting after being barred last year amid China protests—Taiwan framed as an important development partner for some island states. Kiribati Culture at the Commonwealth Games: “Kiribati King” Ianuali Orme received a traditional woven mat tied to Onotoa history, highlighting Kiribati heritage alongside his boxing campaign.

Pacific Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint response to China’s July ballistic missile test, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters accusing Kiribati and Naoero (formerly Nauru) of using consensus as a veto and “appeasing outsiders.” Regional Security: Fiji backed a stronger united Pacific stance, but the wider bloc couldn’t settle wording, leaving the issue to be taken up by leaders in Palau later this month. Connectivity for Kiribati: Australia says it has delivered more than 10,300km of undersea cables so every PIF member is now connected to the global network for the first time, including Tarawa in Kiribati. Kiribati & Migration: A new series argues Kiribati should treat migration as long-term development, citing pressure on South Tarawa and the benefits of a global I-Kiribati community. Culture & Sport: Commonwealth Games boxer IANUALI Orme was honoured with a traditional Kiribati-woven mat, highlighting youth sport and cultural heritage.

Pacific Security Row: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July nuclear-capable missile test, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters saying two members used consensus as a “veto” and were responding to “outside partners’ wishes” — widely reported as Kiribati and Naoero (formerly Nauru). Taiwan at Palau Meeting: Taiwan will attend the Pacific leaders gathering in Palau after being barred last year over China-linked protests, with the forum saying Taipei remains an important development partner. Kiribati Connectivity Boost: Australia says all 18 PIF members, including Tarawa in Kiribati, are now connected to global undersea cable networks for the first time after 10,300km of new cables. Kiribati Climate Shipping Funding: Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Tuvalu and Vanuatu urged the IMO to make an “IMO Net-Zero Fund” a key part of shipping emissions cuts so the transition doesn’t leave small states behind. Local Culture & Sport: Commonwealth Games boxer IANUALI Orme was honoured with a traditional Kiribati-woven mat, highlighting Kiribati culture and youth sport on the international stage.

Pacific Diplomacy: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July missile test, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters accusing Kiribati and Naoero (formerly Nauru) of using consensus as a veto and siding with “outside” wishes. Kiribati in Focus: The dispute leaves the issue for Pacific leaders to revisit at the leaders’ meeting in Palau later this month, as Kiribati’s stance continues to shape Forum unity. Connectivity Boost: Australia says every Pacific Islands Forum member is now connected to the global undersea cable network, including Tarawa in Kiribati, after more than 10,300km of new cable work. Regional Security Ties: Taiwan will rejoin the Pacific leaders’ meeting in Palau after being barred in 2025, following China-related objections—while the Forum also keeps debating how to respond to the missile test. Local Culture Spotlight: Commonwealth Games boxer Ianuali Orme, dubbed the “Kiribati King,” was honoured with a traditional woven mat tied to Kiribati history.

Pacific Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July ballistic missile test, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters saying two members used consensus as a “veto” and accusing them of responding to “outside partners’ wishes” — Kiribati and Naoero (formerly Nauru) are widely reported as the holdouts. Regional Connectivity: Australia says all 18 PIF members are now connected to the global undersea cable network for the first time, after delivering 10,300km of new cables since 2018, including links for Tarawa (Kiribati) and Naoero. Fisheries Funding: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency released a second 2026 US$50.42m payout under the US Tuna Treaty, following a US$60m payment received mid-July. Identity Update: Naoero officially reclaimed its traditional name, with the country code shifting to NRO and citizens now referred to as dei-Naoero. Maritime Safety: Life Flight (Fiji) is urging wider use of emergency locator beacons, citing faster sea rescues in places like Kiribati and Tuvalu.

Pacific Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July nuclear-capable missile test, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters saying two members blocked consensus—reported as Kiribati and Naoero (formerly Nauru)—and accusing them of siding with “outside partners.” Regional Connectivity: Australia says all 18 Forum members are now linked to the global undersea cable network for the first time, including Tarawa in Kiribati, after more than 10,300km of new cables delivered since 2018. Fisheries Funding: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency says it has paid a second 2026 US$50.42m distribution under the US Tuna Treaty, supporting Pacific island fisheries management. Climate Shipping: Fiji, Kiribati, Naoero, Palau, Tuvalu and Vanuatu urge the IMO to make an IMO Net-Zero Fund a “functional requirement” for mid-term shipping emissions cuts. Kiribati & Naoero Identity: Naoero’s name change is now official, while Kiribati’s role in the missile-statement deadlock is drawing fresh attention.

Pacific Diplomacy: Pacific foreign ministers in Fiji are still debating how to respond to China’s nuclear-capable missile test, with New Zealand pushing for a joint condemnation but some states resisting a direct call-out. Kiribati & Regional Connectivity: Australia says its $500m undersea cable project is now complete, connecting Kiribati (Tarawa) and other Pacific members to new telecommunications links. Fisheries Funding: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency says it has delivered a second 2026 payout of US$50.42m under the US Tuna Treaty, including money reserved for the next distribution. Climate Shipping Push: Kiribati and other Pacific states argue at the IMO that an “IMO Net-Zero Fund” is essential for a fair transition in shipping emissions cuts. Maritime Safety: Life Flight (Fiji) urges wider use of emergency locator beacons, pointing to improved rescue outcomes in Kiribati and Tuvalu. Health Update (Kiribati): Kiribati’s Ministry of Health reports 201 new community Covid-19 cases on South Tarawa, with schools still closed under alert level 3. Culture & Sport: “Kiribati King” boxer IANUALI Orme was honoured with a traditional woven mat at Glasgow 2026, as Kiribati athletes continue to make their mark.

Kiribati Health Update: Kiribati’s Ministry of Health confirmed 201 new community Covid-19 cases on South Tarawa, Betio and Buota, with people in home quarantine and one 80-year-old still in hospital; the country’s cumulative total now stands at 1,744. Regional Search & Rescue: Life Flight (Fiji) Trust is urging wider use of emergency locator beacons, saying they can cut search times and save lives at sea, pointing to improved outcomes in Kiribati and Tuvalu. Pacific Fisheries Funding: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency says the US-Pacific Tuna Treaty remains vital, after receiving a second 2026 distribution worth US$50.42 million to support tuna management across member EEZs. Pacific Governance & Cooperation: Pacific ACP officials met in Suva to review regional challenges and Samoa Agreement progress, while Kiribati chaired Smaller Island States talks on strengthening SIS cooperation ahead of major leaders’ meetings. Identity in the Pacific: Nauru has officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero, with citizens now called dei-Naoero, as the country moves to reaffirm traditional identity. UN Police Training: UN Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix launched a Pacific-tailored UN Police Peacekeeping course for officers including from Kiribati, Tonga and Solomon Islands.

Health Update: Kiribati’s Ministry of Health confirmed 201 new Covid-19 cases on South Tarawa, Betio and Buota, with people placed in home quarantine for mild symptoms; the country’s total now stands at 1,744 cases, and schools on South Tarawa remain closed under alert level 3 with remote learning set to continue. Regional Security: A proposed US–Solomon Islands shiprider maritime deal has triggered a sovereignty row in Honiara, with opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare urging full details be released for parliamentary scrutiny. Fisheries Funding: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency says the US-Pacific Tuna Treaty is delivering a major boost, with a second 2026 distribution worth US$50.42 million to help manage tuna fisheries across member EEZs. Pacific Cooperation: Kiribati chaired Smaller Island States officials talks on strengthening the grouping ahead of leaders’ meetings in Palau. Search & Heritage: Researchers plan to resume the Amelia Earhart mystery by investigating the “Taraia Object” near Nikumaroro Island, with a possible excavation discussed with Kiribati. Environment & Skills: GIS and spatial professionals from across the Pacific gathered in Fiji to boost environmental data management and action.

Kiribati Health Update: Kiribati’s Ministry of Health confirmed 201 new community Covid-19 cases on South Tarawa (Betio and Buota) and Buota, with mild symptoms and home quarantine; the national total now stands at 1,744 cases (1,702 local on South Tarawa/Betio/Buota and 32 in Butaritari), while an 80-year-old remains in hospital. Education Disruption: With the country still on alert level 3, Kiribati has cancelled the first term school start date (14 February) and will shift to remote learning until further notice. Regional Identity Move: Nauru officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero, with “Naoero” as the abbreviated name and citizens now “dei-Naoero,” dropping referendum plans after saying the name is already part of national identity. Maritime Safety Push: Life Flight (Fiji) is urging wider use of emergency locator beacons, citing faster sea-rescue benefits and pointing to Kiribati and Tuvalu as examples. Pacific Fisheries Funding: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency says the US-Pacific Tuna Treaty delivered a second 2026 distribution of US$50.42 million, supporting member countries’ tuna management. UN Police Training: UN Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix launched a Pacific-focused UN Police Peacekeeping course for 50 officers, including Kiribati, to be mission-ready in five weeks.

Kiribati Health Update: Kiribati’s Ministry of Health confirmed 201 new community Covid-19 cases on South Tarawa, Betio and Buota, bringing the national total to 1,744, with schools on South Tarawa still closed under alert level 3 and remote learning in place. Regional Diplomacy: Pacific ACP senior officials met in Suva to review regional challenges and progress on the Samoa Agreement, while Kiribati chaired SISOM discussions on strengthening smaller island state cooperation ahead of leaders’ meetings in Palau. Maritime Safety Push: Life Flight (Fiji) is urging wider use of emergency locator beacons like EPIRBs and PLBs, citing Kiribati and Tuvalu as examples where beacons cut search times and improved rescue outcomes. Environment & Skills: GIS and spatial professionals from across the Pacific gathered in Nadi to boost environmental data management and tackle the region’s “triple planetary crisis” of biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution. UN Peacekeeping Training: UN Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix launched a Pacific-tailored UN Police Peacekeeping course for officers from Kiribati and other Pacific states. Pacific Identity News: Nauru officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero, with citizens now known as dei-Naoero.

Kiribati COVID-19 Update: Kiribati’s Ministry of Health confirmed 201 new community COVID-19 cases on South Tarawa, Betio and Buota, with mild symptoms and home quarantine; an 80-year-old remains in hospital, and schools on alert level 3 will stay closed with remote learning continuing. Nauru Renamed to Naoero: Nauru has officially become the Republic of Naoero, with “Naoero” as the abbreviated name and citizens “dei-Naoero,” after consultations and a constitutional amendment—no referendum planned. Maritime Security Debate (Solomons/US): Solomon Islands opposition is demanding full details and parliamentary scrutiny of a US shiprider maritime deal, warning it could weaken sovereignty. Regional Fisheries Funding: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency says the US-Pacific Tuna Treaty is delivering about US$50.42m in 2026 funds to member states. UN Police Training for the Pacific: UN Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix launched a Pacific-tailored UN Police Peacekeeping course for 50 officers including from Kiribati. Environment & Waste Action: SPREP reports progress under SWAP2, a regional waste and pollution project funded by France, including beach surveys and marine-litter audits. Deep-Sea Minerals Pushback: A US-backed high seas exploration proposal involving Kiribati, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia is open for public comment, with Pacific groups urging submissions. Commonwealth Games (Pacific medals): Fiji and Tuvalu won boxing bronze in Glasgow, while Pacific weightlifting delivered gold for Fiji’s Taniela Rainibogi and Samoa’s Seine Stowers.

Kiribati COVID-19 Update: Kiribati’s Ministry of Health confirmed 201 new community Covid-19 cases on South Tarawa, Betio and Buota, with mild symptoms and home quarantine; the national total now stands at 1,744, and schools on South Tarawa remain closed under alert level 3 with remote learning continuing. Maritime Safety Push: Life Flight (Fiji) is urging seafarers, operators and the Government to invest in emergency locator beacons (EPIRBs/PLBs), saying they can cut search times by sending GPS coordinates straight to rescue centres—citing Kiribati and Tuvalu as examples of improved outcomes. Pacific Environment & Skills: GIS and spatial professionals from across the Pacific gathered in Nadi, including Kiribati, to boost environmental data management skills to tackle the region’s “triple planetary crisis” of biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution. UN Police Training for the Pacific: UN Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix launched a new UN Police Peacekeeping course for 50 officers from across the Pacific, including Kiribati, tailored for mission-ready policing. Deep-sea Mining Consultation: A US company’s proposal to explore deep-sea minerals in international waters between Kiribati, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia is open for public comment, with Pacific groups urging people to speak up before the deadline.