AGP Executive Report

Pacific Security: Australia has joined a US-led push for countries to give at least 24 hours’ notice of nuclear-capable missile launches, after China’s submarine-launched test was widely criticised and believed to have landed near Tuvalu. Local Peacekeeping: Tuvalu has deployed its first four police officers to serve in a UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, a milestone for the Tuvalu Police Service. Climate Pressure: El Niño is already squeezing water and food supplies across the Pacific, with Fiji warning of “drastic measures” and PNG preparing for water shutdowns. Tuvalu at the Front: Tuvalu is also proposing tougher net-zero rules for shipping at MEPC 85, including higher compliance costs, as global talks head toward November. Regional Connectivity: Australia says all Pacific Islands Forum members are now linked by undersea cables, with Tuvalu among the connected countries. Diplomacy on Taiwan: China has warned the Pacific Islands Forum over Taiwan’s planned attendance in Palau, with Tuvalu among Taiwan’s remaining diplomatic partners. Safety & Travel: The US has made its US$20,000 visa bond permanent for travellers from Tuvalu and other Pacific Islands Forum nations. Unexploded WWII Ordnance: Operation Render Safe recovered more than 11 tonnes of WWII munitions from a lagoon in Tuvalu.

Pacific Security Rift: China’s July 6 nuclear-capable missile test into the Pacific has exposed deep splits among Pacific leaders, with foreign ministers in Suva unable to agree on a joint condemnation despite alarm from several states; Papua New Guinea called the launch “totally inappropriate,” while Beijing urged countries not to “over-interpret” the move. Taiwan at Palau Summit: China warned the Pacific Islands Forum secretary-general after Taiwan was confirmed to attend the Palau leaders meeting, with Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands among Taiwan’s remaining partners. Climate Pressure on Water & Food: El Niño is already stressing supplies, with Fiji warning of “drastic measures” and Papua New Guinea preparing for partial water shutdowns. Tuvalu in Focus: Tuvalu proposed tougher IMO net-zero rules, including higher remedial pricing, and an Operation Render Safe mission recovered 11 tonnes of WW2 unexploded munitions from a Tuvalu lagoon. US Visa Bond: PNG (and other Pacific visa-bond countries including Tuvalu) faces a permanent US$20,000 refundable bond for B1/B2 travel. Digital Connectivity: Australia says all Pacific Islands Forum members are now linked by undersea cables for the first time.

Climate Displacement in Tuvalu: Sisters Poeva (18) and Akesa (13) say rising seas, stronger winds and saltwater are pushing families to leave “beautiful” Tuvalu for Australia, with Funafuti forecast to flood further by 2050. Shipping Net-Zero Rules: Tuvalu is urging tougher MEPC 85 amendments for the IMO net-zero framework, including dropping a 2028 step, tightening direct compliance from 2029, and raising remedial unit prices—moves that could sharply increase costs for fleets. Tuvalu in the Spotlight After China Missile Test: Tuvalu officials say China’s July missile test felt “like someone invaded your home,” and they pushed for a strong Pacific response—yet foreign ministers in Fiji failed to agree on a joint condemnation, with Kiribati and Naoero (formerly Nauru) reported as holdouts. Tuvalu’s Lagoon Cleared of WWII Munitions: Operation Render Safe recovered more than 11 tonnes of unexploded WWII ordnance from Nanumea lagoon, including ammunition and 500-pound bombs. Pacific Connectivity Boost: Australia says all Pacific Islands Forum members—including Tuvalu—are now linked by undersea cables, a major step for digital access and services.

Pacific Security Transparency: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says his government will review its 2022 China security deal with “no more secrecy,” insisting Parliament must be fully informed on any agreements that bind sovereignty. Regional Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Fiji failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July ballistic missile test near Tuvalu’s waters, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters accusing Kiribati and Naoero of blocking action to appease “outsiders.” Digital Connectivity: Australia marked a major milestone by helping connect all 18 PIF members to undersea telecommunications cables for the first time, including new links to Tuvalu and Naoero. US Visa Bonds: The US has made permanent a refundable visa bond scheme for B1/B2 travellers from Tuvalu, PNG, Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu, set at about US$20,000 to curb overstays. Tuvalu Safety & Recovery: Operation Render Safe recovered more than 11 tonnes of World War II unexploded munitions from Nanumea lagoon. Climate Push: Australia’s Penny Wong urged world leaders to attend pre-COP meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu, saying the Pacific must be heard firsthand.

US Visa Bond Made Permanent for Pacific Travellers: Papua New Guineans (and citizens of Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu) must now post a refundable US$20,000 (about K88,200) bond for B-1/B-2 business and tourism visas, with officials stressing it’s not a travel ban and visas can still be issued if applicants meet requirements. Tuvalu Security Cleanup: More than 11 tonnes of World War II unexploded munitions were recovered from the Nanumea lagoon, ranging from small arms ammo to 500-pound bombs. Pacific Digital Leap: Australia says all 18 Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to undersea cables, including new links reaching Tuvalu, Tarawa and others, backed by over 10,300km of new infrastructure. China Missile Row Splits the Forum: Foreign ministers in Fiji failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July missile test near Tuvalu’s waters, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters accusing holdouts of siding with “outsiders.” Climate Diplomacy Push: Pacific “Climate Champions” met in Nadi to align ahead of COP31 pre-COP meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu, urging world leaders to “come to the Pacific” and see impacts firsthand. Bahrain Outreach: Pacific ambassadors met Bahrain’s envoy in Abu Dhabi, backing Bahrain and condemning Iranian attacks.

Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Climate Champions met in Nadi, Fiji, to push Pacific priorities into COP31 in Antalya, with Pre-COP meetings planned in Fiji and Tuvalu and Baron Waqa stressing the need for sustained political leadership. Missile Test Fallout: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on condemning China’s nuclear-capable missile test near Tuvalu’s region, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters accusing Kiribati and Naoero of using consensus as a veto and Tuvalu warning it felt like an “invasion” and asking Beijing for help locating the dummy warhead. Regional Security Push: Penny Wong backed Pacific-led security talks, saying security should be “provided from within the Pacific,” while Australia’s recent defence treaties with Fiji keep geopolitical pressure on China in the background. Digital Connectivity Milestone: Australia marked completion of a $500m-plus project delivering 10,300km of undersea cables so all Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected, including new links for Tuvalu and Naoero. Shipping Emissions Rules: Tuvalu is pushing a tougher IMO net-zero approach for shipping, including higher remedial unit prices and changes to the 2028 step, as the IMO weighs competing proposals. Tuvalu in the Spotlight: Tuvalu also faces climate urgency ahead of COP31, with leaders urged to “come to the Pacific” and see impacts firsthand.

Pacific Security: Pacific foreign ministers in Fiji failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July ballistic missile test near Tuvalu’s region, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters accusing holdouts Kiribati and Naoero (Nauru) of using consensus as a veto and appeasing “outsiders.” Tuvalu said it was like an invasion and asked China to help locate the dummy warhead. Regional Connectivity: Australia marked a major milestone by helping connect all Pacific Islands Forum members to undersea cable networks for the first time, delivering 10,300km of new cables and backing links for Tuvalu and others. Climate Diplomacy: Australia’s Penny Wong urged world leaders to attend Pre-COP meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu, saying the Pacific must be heard ahead of COP31. Just Transition: A UNEP report says countries are moving beyond “just transition” promises by embedding them in laws, policies, institutions and court decisions. Tuvalu & Shipping: Tuvalu is pushing the IMO’s net-zero shipping rules toward higher early costs and a bigger role for the Net-Zero Fund as MEPC revisits options. Travel Rules: The US makes a $20,000 visa bond requirement permanent for selected travellers from several Pacific states including Tuvalu.

Pacific Diplomacy: Pacific foreign ministers in Fiji failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July nuclear-capable missile test, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters accusing Kiribati and Nauru of using consensus as a veto and siding with “outside” interests; Tuvalu officials said the missile landed dangerously close to its waters and warned it felt like an “invasion,” pushing for a strong collective response. Regional Security: Australia’s Penny Wong backed Pacific-led security talks as ministers met, while Australia also marked progress on connectivity and continues signing defence arrangements across the region. Digital Connectivity: Australia says all 18 Pacific Islands Forum members are now linked to global undersea cable networks, including first connections for Tuvalu and other states, aiming to boost resilience and digital access. Climate Push: Wong urged world leaders to attend Pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu, arguing leaders must see climate impacts firsthand; meanwhile Tuvalu is pressing hard positions in IMO shipping net-zero talks, including higher remedial unit pricing and a bigger role for the Net-Zero Fund. Identity & Travel: Nauru officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero, updating its country code, while separate coverage highlights how jus soli and passport rules are shifting globally.

Pacific Security Deadlock: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Fiji failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July nuclear-capable missile test near Tuvalu, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters accusing “outsiders” of swaying holdouts—understood to be Kiribati and Naoero—using consensus as a veto. Tuvalu’s Tsunami Fears: Tuvalu officials said the missile landing felt like an invasion and raised fears it could trigger a tsunami, pushing for a strong collective Pacific response. Regional Connectivity Boost: Australia marked a major milestone by completing 10,300km of undersea cables so all 18 PIF members are now connected to global networks, including new links for Tuvalu and Naoero. Climate Push for Pre-COP31: Australia’s Penny Wong backed world leaders attending the Fiji and Tuvalu pre-COP meetings, urging them to see climate impacts firsthand ahead of COP31. Shipping Emissions Debate: Tuvalu is among countries pressing the IMO’s net-zero shipping rules, proposing higher fuel-cost pressure and a larger role for the IMO Net-Zero Fund. Identity Update in the Pacific: Naoero (formerly Nauru) officially changed its name and international code, reflecting indigenous pronunciation and heritage. Tuvalu Migration Pressure: More than 80% of Tuvaluans registered for Australia’s climate visa ballot, with 280 visas offered this year.

Missile diplomacy stumbles: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Fiji failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July nuclear-capable missile test near Tuvalu, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters saying two members blocked consensus—reported as Kiribati and Naoero (formerly Nauru). Tuvalu’s fear: Tuvalu officials said the test felt like an “invasion” and that Tuvalu had no warning, urging a strong Pacific response. Connectivity milestone: Australia says all 18 PIF members are now linked to global undersea telecommunications cables for the first time, including new links for Tuvalu and Naoero. Regional security push: Penny Wong backed Pacific-led security talks as Forum ministers discuss how to keep stability “from within the Pacific.” Climate pressure on the agenda: Australia and Fiji/Tuvalu pre-COP31 planning is framed as urgent, with leaders urged to come see climate impacts firsthand. Tuvalu migration demand: Australia’s climate visa ballot drew 8,750 registrations—about 82% of Tuvalu’s population—though only 280 visas are offered this year.

Pacific Diplomacy on China Missile: Pacific foreign ministers in Fiji pressed for a joint statement condemning China’s nuclear-capable missile test near Tuvalu, but consensus is still missing, with Tuvalu saying it received no advance notice and New Zealand’s Winston Peters calling it a “missed chance.” Tuvalu’s Direct Concern: Tuvalu’s officials say they want a strong Pacific message to deter future intimidation, even as debate continues over whether to name China directly. Pre-COP31 Push: Australia’s Penny Wong and Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka urged world leaders to “come to the Pacific” for the Pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu, arguing leaders must see climate impacts firsthand. Climate Science in the Region: Fiji’s environment minister highlighted science support for Pacific climate planning, including Tuvalu sea-level rise modelling. Pacific Connectivity Milestone: Australia marked completion of a $500m undersea cable project linking Pacific forum members, including Tuvalu. Fisheries Funding: The US-Pacific Tuna Treaty delivered a second 2026 payout of $50.42m to Pacific parties via the FFA. Tuvalu Migration Pressure: More than 80% of Tuvaluans entered Australia’s climate visa ballot, with only 280 visas offered. Sports Spotlight: Tuvalu’s Tarona Taafaki won the country’s first Commonwealth Games medal, despite not winning a bout. Identity Update Elsewhere: Nauru officially renamed itself the Republic of Naoero, changing its country code from NRU to NRO.

Climate Diplomacy: Tuvalu and Fiji are pushing for faster action ahead of Pre-COP31, with Fiji hosting talks in October and Tuvalu set to welcome leaders for a special visit as Pacific officials warn warming is “on the edge” of breaching 1.5°C. Australia–Pacific Climate Push: Foreign Minister Penny Wong backs PM Rabuka’s call for world leaders to “come to the Pacific” and see impacts firsthand. Tuvalu Migration: Australia’s Falepili Union climate visa has drawn massive demand—over 80% of Tuvalu’s population registered—while only 280 visas are offered this programme year. Energy Transition: Palau is fundraising to cut diesel dependence and attract renewable investment, highlighting how fuel imports still dominate Pacific energy bills. Local Identity & Names: Nauru has officially become the Republic of Naoero, changing its international code from NRU to NRO and its people to dei-Naoero. Maritime Safety: Life Flight (Fiji) urges wider use of emergency locator beacons to speed up sea rescues, citing Tuvalu and Kiribati as examples. Security & Region: PNG’s closure of Taiwan’s trade office is linked by experts to deeper economic ties with China.

Pacific Climate Diplomacy: PM Sitiveni Rabuka says it would be “a sad thing” if world leaders skip Tuvalu-focused pre-COP31 talks in Nadi this October, warning low attendance would rob leaders of a rare chance to see climate impacts firsthand, including planned leader visits to Tuvalu. Climate Migration: New figures show more than 80% of Tuvaluans have applied for Australia’s world-first climate visa, with 8,750 registrations against 280 visas for the year. Regional Fisheries: The US-Pacific Tuna Treaty remains vital as the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency reports a second 2026 distribution worth US$50.42m to member states. Maritime Safety: Life Flight (Fiji) Trust urges wider use of emergency locator beacons to cut sea search times, citing Tuvalu and Kiribati as examples. Local Environment Skills: GIS and spatial practitioners from across the Pacific trained in environmental data management in Nadi, including Tuvalu delegates. Identity & Governance: Nauru officially renamed itself the Republic of Naoero, changing its code from NRU to NRO and its people to dei-Naoero.

Climate Migration: More than 80% of Tuvalu’s population (8,750 registrations) has applied for Australia’s “world-first” climate visa, but only 280 visas are available this programme year—raising tough choices for families as seas keep rising. Tuvalu Pre-COP Push: Tuvalu is pressing for a higher-level ministerial presence at its October pre-COP climate meeting in Fiji, after reports Australia may allow ministers instead of only prime ministers due to travel constraints. Community Resilience: A Steven Adams basketball camp in Gisborne is giving rural kids a new “safe space” and skills, with the trust behind it linking the visit to recent weather impacts. Regional Climate Skills: Niue is training its delegation to negotiate more effectively ahead of COP31, despite its tiny emissions footprint and heavy losses from cyclones, erosion and drought. Maritime Safety: Life Flight (Fiji) is urging wider use of emergency locator beacons to cut search times and save lives at sea, citing Tuvalu and Kiribati as examples. Identity & Names: Nauru has officially become the Republic of Naoero, changing its code from NRU to NRO and its people to dei-Naoero. Sports Spotlight: Tuvalu’s Tarona Taafaki won the country’s first-ever Commonwealth Games medal—without competing in the event—highlighting how sport can still deliver historic moments.

Tuvalu Climate Diplomacy: Tuvalu’s pre-COP31 push is set to bring world leaders to see the frontline impacts of climate change firsthand, with reports that Australia may allow ministers instead of only prime ministers as travel plans tighten. Maritime Safety: Life Flight (Fiji) is urging wider use of emergency locator beacons like EPIRBs and PLBs, saying they can cut search times and save lives at sea, citing recent rescues in Lau waters. Environmental Data Skills: SPREP-backed training in GIS and environmental data management brought geospatial professionals from across the Pacific, including Tuvalu, to strengthen regional action on biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution. Regional Fisheries: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency says the US-Pacific Tuna Treaty remains vital, with a second 2026 distribution worth about US$50.42m supporting member fisheries management. Name Change Watch: Nauru has officially become the Republic of Naoero, updating its code from NRU to NRO and its people to dei-Naoero. Tuvalu Security & Capacity: UN Police Peacekeeping training launched for Pacific officers including Tuvalu, aiming to build mission-ready policing capability. Tuvalu War Remnants: Explosive ordnance disposal teams identified more than 11 tons of World War II munitions off Tuvalu’s Nanumea, with disposal pending government approval.

Tuvalu Security: Tuvalu has launched its Police Service Strategic Plan 2026–2030, setting out a five-year push for a safer, more secure country with stronger partnership, professionalism and accountability, backed by Prime Minister Feleti Teo and supported by UNODC and Australia’s DFAT. Tuvalu Climate Diplomacy: Tuvalu’s pre-COP climate push is shifting as Australia weighs opening the October meeting to ministers (not just prime ministers and presidents) amid travel and scheduling hurdles, aiming to keep world leaders focused on the frontline crisis. Tuvalu Safety at Sea: Explosive ordnance disposal teams have identified more than 11 tons of World War II munitions off Nanumea in Tuvalu, with a follow-up disposal operation expected pending government approval. Regional Search & Rescue: Life Flight (Fiji) is urging wider use of emergency locator beacons to cut search times and improve outcomes, citing Tuvalu and Kiribati as examples. Pacific Identity & Governance: Nauru officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero, updating its international code (NRU to NRO) and citizen name (dei-Naoero), as part of a return to indigenous language and heritage. Commonwealth Games (Pacific spotlight): Tarona Taafaki won Tuvalu’s first-ever Commonwealth Games medal without competing, while Pacific athletes also collected medals across Glasgow 2026. Disaster Response Energy: Fiji Solar Scholars installed a solar PV system at FCOSS in Suva to keep disaster coordination running during power outages.